In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing energy security, the Central Government has introduced stringent regulations for domestic gas consumers. According to the newly notified ‘Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026’, households in areas where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure is available must transition to the pipeline system. Failure to comply with this mandate could lead to the permanent disconnection of your existing LPG service.

The 90-Day Ultimatum: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set a clear timeline for urban consumers. Once an authorized gas entity notifies a household about the availability of PNG in their locality, the consumer has exactly 90 days to apply for the connection. If the transition is not made within this three-month window, the supply of LPG cylinders to that address will be legally discontinued. This move effectively bans the practice of holding dual connections—both LPG and PNG—in pipeline-enabled zones.

Why the Crackdown? The directive comes amid global supply chain disruptions and the rising costs of importing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). By mandating PNG in cities, the government intends to redirect LPG stocks to rural and underserved regions where pipeline connectivity is not feasible. Furthermore, the order empowers authorities to bypass delays caused by RWAs or local bodies in laying pipelines. Exceptions will only be granted if the gas company provides a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) stating that a PNG connection is technically infeasible for a specific household.