Centre Seeks District-Level Support from States to Accelerate LPG-to-PNG Transition

The Petroleum Ministry has asked States and Union Territories to appoint nodal officers at the district level to help speed up the shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), as per The Hindu news report.  

The officers will coordinate with city gas distribution companies and oil marketing companies in areas where PNG connections are available. 

In an August 21, 2026, letter to State Chief Secretaries, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal asked for officers not below the rank of district supply officer to be associated with the local PNG Coordination Committee. 

New Rules on LPG and PNG Connections 

The request follows new orders governing the distribution of natural gas and LPG. The framework does not allow households to continue with both LPG and PNG connections in locations where piped gas supply is available. 

Households that do not apply for a PNG connection after receiving the required notice could face discontinuation of LPG supplies. The government has issued the orders under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. 

West Asia Crisis Brought Supply Risks into Focus 

The move also follows LPG supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis earlier this year. India depends on imports for a large part of its LPG requirement, with supplies coming from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The disruption led the government to prioritise domestic household supplies, while commercial and industrial users faced restrictions. India later increased LPG purchases from the US and Algeria as part of efforts to diversify supplies. 

Domestic PNG Supply Was Less Affected 

Domestic PNG supplies remained comparatively insulated during the disruption because household consumers received priority allocation of domestically produced natural gas.  

Domestic PNG and CNG supplies were largely expected to remain unaffected, while users dependent on imported LNG faced greater exposure. 

The government is now seeking wider use of existing city gas infrastructure and a reduction in the movement of LPG cylinders to areas where piped gas can be supplied. 

Role of District Administrations 

PNG Coordination Committees have been set up across geographical areas to identify eligible households, issue notices, and hold consumer outreach camps. However, the Ministry said district-level support was needed to carry out the process within the prescribed timelines. 

District authorities will help obtain access from housing societies and resident welfare associations, coordinate the shift between LPG distributors and city gas entities, handle grievances, and monitor adoption. 

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Conclusion 

States and Union Territories have been asked to send the names and contact details of nominated officers at the earliest. The Centre has asked them to treat the transition to PNG in notified areas as a priority. 

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