Centre offers more LPG to States expediting piped gas

Metro India News | NEW DELHI :

With India facing an LPG supply crunch due to blocked imports from West Asia, the central government has offered incentives to states that fast-track piped natural gas (PNG) networks. The move aims to ease pressure on cooking gas availability for households and commercial users.

Currently, LPG supply to commercial establishments such as hotels has been curtailed, while household kitchens remain a priority. The government has announced that states promoting PNG adoption will receive up to 30 per cent more commercial LPG.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said PNG supplies continue uninterrupted where city gas distribution networks exist. She urged consumers to switch to PNG and advised that online LPG bookings will be delivered to homes, cautioning against panic buying or queuing.

Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal highlighted that high charges for pipeline laying and road restoration have slowed CGD expansion. States implementing reforms—such as fast-track approvals, reduced lease charges, and dig-and-restore schemes—will receive additional LPG allocations. Only 1.6 crore domestic PNG connections have been issued so far against a target of 12.63 crore, indicating significant scope for expansion.

The LPG shortage has begun affecting restaurants, industries like brick kilns and ceramics, and essential services including hospitals and crematories. To ease the pressure, 48,000 kilolitres of additional kerosene has been allocated, with 12 states already utilising it.

India remains self-sufficient in petrol, diesel, and jet fuel, with no shortages reported at retail outlets. The government continues to promote PNG adoption to ensure households and businesses have uninterrupted access to cooking fuel.