New Delhi: Around 6,000 piped natural gas (PNG) users have surrendered their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections as of Saturday, a government official said.
Neeraj Mittal, secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, thanked these consumers in a post on X, saying, “6,000 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG till yesterday! A big thanks to them!!” He also urged more users to follow suit, encouraging them to join others who have voluntarily given up LPG to make it available for households without PNG access.
The government said gas supplies are currently being prioritised for households and transport. Full allocation is being ensured for PNG and CNG users, while industrial and commercial consumers are receiving about 80% of their usual supply.
Fertiliser plants are operating at 70–75% capacity, with additional LNG shipments being arranged to support demand. Authorities also stated that steps are being taken to secure fuel supplies and expand gas infrastructure.
To promote PNG adoption, the government is fast-tracking city gas distribution projects, easing approval processes, and encouraging a shift away from LPG. Over 2.9 lakh new PNG connections were added in March alone. Companies such as Indraprastha Gas, Mahanagar Gas, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are offering incentives to support this transition.
Although LPG supplies have been impacted by global geopolitical factors, officials said there is no shortage, and deliveries remain stable. Daily refill deliveries have exceeded 55 lakh cylinders, and measures to prevent diversion have been strengthened.
Commercial LPG supply has recovered to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, with priority given to sectors like hospitality, food services, and essential industries.
The government has also increased kerosene allocations to states and intensified action against hoarding and black marketing. Nearly 2,900 raids have been conducted recently, resulting in the seizure of about 1,000 cylinders.
States have been directed to enhance monitoring, hold daily briefings, counter misinformation, and speed up approvals for gas infrastructure. The government has also urged the public not to believe rumours.
In a recent move, the government announced plans to stop LPG cylinder supply within three months to households that have access to PNG but have not switched. Exceptions will be made where PNG connections are not technically feasible, subject to certification.
This push comes amid pressure on LPG supplies due to disruptions in imports from West Asia, a key source for India. By encouraging users in pipeline-connected areas to shift to PNG, the government aims to free up LPG for regions without such infrastructure.
Consumers in areas with PNG access—including those living in rented homes—will be expected to transition, with officials treating gas as a basic utility similar to electricity and water. Around 60 lakh consumers are estimated to be eligible, and about 2.2 lakh have already made the switch in recent days.
The government is also accelerating expansion of city gas networks, aiming to provide 12.6 crore PNG connections by 2032.
