Pipeline Over Cylinder: India speeds up PNG adoption amid crisis

Amid concerns over cooking gas availability following global supply disruptions, the government has stepped up efforts to shift households and businesses from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) , offering incentives through city gas distribution companies to ease pressure on LPG supplies.

In the Delhi region, Indraprastha Gas Ltd is offering domestic consumers free gas worth ₹500 if they take a PNG connection and start using it before March 31. In Mumbai, Mahanagar Gas Ltd has waived the ₹500 registration fee for households and security deposits of ₹1-5 lakh for commercial users. Similar promotional measures have been introduced by GAIL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Officials say the shift will help because PNG is supplied continuously through underground pipelines , eliminating the need for cylinder transport and reducing dependence on imported LPG. India imports about 60% of its LPG , largely from West Asia, where shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have tightened supplies, particularly for commercial users.

PNG is produced from natural gas sourced domestically and through imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is regasified at coastal terminals and transported via national pipelines operated mainly by GAIL.

The transition can be implemented quickly in areas where pipelines already exist, often within days to a few weeks , though expansion to new areas will take longer due to infrastructure requirements.

Authorities stressed that domestic LPG supplies remain stable , with no widespread shortages reported. However, restaurants, bakeries and small industries are facing reduced availability. Consumers with both PNG and LPG connections have been urged to voluntarily surrender LPG cylinders, while states have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing.

The government has advised citizens to avoid panic buying, use online booking, and adopt alternative fuels like PNG wherever available.