Households with PNG Not Eligible for LPG Connections: Govt Directive

New Delhi: The Union government has directed households that have access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to surrender their Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections with immediate effect, in a move aimed at preventing duplication of cooking fuel supply and ensuring wider availability of LPG cylinders.

In a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the government stated that households already connected to PNG networks will no longer be permitted to retain domestic LPG connections or obtain LPG cylinder refills from public sector oil marketing companies or their authorised distributors.

Consumers who currently possess both PNG and LPG connections have been asked to surrender their LPG connections immediately. The notification also clarifies that individuals who already have PNG connections will not be eligible to apply for new LPG connections in the future.

Oil marketing companies have been instructed to strictly implement the directive and avoid issuing new LPG connections or refills to households with existing PNG supply.

#WATCH | Keeping in view the global disruption in gas and oil shipping due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the government has issued a new rule regarding domestic LPG connections.

The government amends LPG distribution rules, barring consumers with piped natural gas… pic.twitter.com/poQkPRgzRo

— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) March 15, 2026

Move Aimed at Preventing Duplication

Officials said the measure is intended to ensure that LPG cylinders remain available for households that do not have access to PNG infrastructure. The government believes the move will help streamline distribution and prioritise supply for regions where piped gas networks have not yet reached.

The decision comes at a time when global fuel supply chains are under pressure due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, prompting authorities to closely monitor domestic energy availability.

Indian LPG Carriers Cross Strait of Hormuz

In a related development, India secured safe passage for two Indian-flagged LPG carriers through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic engagement.

The vessels—Shivalik and Nanda Devi—were among several ships stranded near the strait after tensions escalated in the region. Both ships successfully crossed the waterway and are now heading towards Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat.

According to officials, the two carriers are transporting approximately 92,700 tonnes of LPG and are expected to reach Indian ports by March 16 or 17.

Authorities also confirmed that diplomatic efforts are continuing to ensure safe passage for 22 additional Indian-flagged ships that remain on the western side of the strait.

Govt Urges Public to Avoid Panic Booking

Meanwhile, during an inter-ministerial media briefing, officials from the petroleum ministry appealed to citizens not to indulge in panic booking of LPG cylinders and to place orders only when required.

The government also said that commercial LPG cylinders have been kept ready for use by state governments, with distribution already underway across 29 states and Union Territories to ensure uninterrupted supply during the ongoing global uncertainties.