In a move towards embracing alternative fuels, the government disclosed that more than 39,000 consumers have transitioned from LPG connections to piped natural gas (PNG) through the MYPNGD.in platform. This shift is part of a larger strategy aimed at ensuring energy stability in the long run and reducing reliance on LPG. The government emphasized its collaboration with States and Union Territories to oversee supplies and combat malpractices like hoarding and black marketing under existing regulations.
To guarantee the smooth availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG, States have been urged to take the lead, with the Centre reinforcing this directive through various communications and review meetings. Efforts to enhance coordination have included regular meetings with state authorities, including high-level reviews led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in early April. During these interactions, states were instructed to issue daily press briefings, counter misinformation on social media, and intensify enforcement actions through district administrations in partnership with oil marketing companies.
As part of enforcement measures, a significant number of raids—exceeding 2,400—were conducted nationwide on April 18 to combat hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Public sector oil marketing companies have also heightened surveillance, penalizing 264 LPG distributorships and suspending 67 others for rule violations. Simultaneously, the government is expediting the expansion of city gas distribution networks to promote PNG adoption.
Since March 2026, more than 4.85 lakh PNG connections have been activated, and over 5.43 lakh new consumers have enrolled for connections. In a bid to further incentivize the transition, city gas companies like Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), GAIL Gas, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) are offering rewards for both domestic and commercial users. Moreover, the Centre has tied additional commercial LPG allocation to states with their progress in PNG expansion, benefiting 22 States and Union Territories.
To expedite city gas infrastructure approvals, a special three-month accelerated framework introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is being implemented. On the supply front, the government has ensured uninterrupted natural gas availability for crucial sectors, maintaining 100% supply for domestic PNG and CNG transport. Gas allocation to fertiliser plants has been raised to approximately 95% of their average consumption, while supply to other industrial and commercial sectors has been boosted up to 80%.
