Amid the escalating West Asia crisis impacting global supply chains, the government has advised city gas distribution (CGD) entities to prioritize providing PNG connections to commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, and canteens. Companies such as IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are currently offering incentives as directed by PNGRB to expedite the process from application submission to gas supply initiation for consumer households and to conduct mass awareness campaigns. Additionally, the government has urged states and UTs to accelerate approvals for the expansion of CGD networks.
In response to the situation, the Centre has offered all states/UTs an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG with the condition that they support the long-term transition from LPG to PNG. The Petroleum Ministry emphasizes that the responsibility now lies with states/UTs to drive this reform forward, ensuring the growth of CGD networks and prompt issuance of connections to domestic and commercial/industrial PNG consumers within their jurisdictions.
Over the recent days, more than 13,700 new PNG connections have been issued, and over 7,300 consumers have made the switch from LPG to PNG, alleviating the pressure on LPG demand. Despite concerns over LPG supply due to the current geopolitical situation, distributorships have not reported any dry-outs. Notably, panic bookings have significantly decreased from 89 lakh on March 13 to around 55 lakh on March 20, while domestic LPG deliveries remain unaffected.
Moreover, around 18 states and UTs have issued orders for the allocation of non-domestic LPG, ensuring availability across all regions. Educational institutions and hospitals are being given priority, receiving approximately 50% of the commercial LPG allocation. The government reports that about 11,360 MT of commercial LPG has been uplifted in the past week, with priority sectors like domestic PNG and CNG transport receiving full supplies.
