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New Delhi, March 10: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced 100 percent assured supply of domestic piped natural gas (PNG) to homes and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles despite global fuel supply disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
To secure India’s domestic energy supply, the Union Government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act). The move aims to protect household fuel supply and manage the pressure on natural gas availability.
Government Orders Higher LPG Production
The government has issued a control order directing oil refineries and petrochemical units to maximize the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Companies must also divert key hydrocarbon streams to the LPG pool.
This step will ensure an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas across India.
Officials said the government wants to maintain stable LPG supply for households during the current global energy uncertainty.
Priority List for Natural Gas Distribution
The Petroleum Ministry has created a priority allocation system for natural gas supply to manage the current shortage.
Under the new policy:
- Domestic piped natural gas for homes will receive 100% supply
- CNG for vehicles will receive 100% supply
The government has prioritized these sectors to ensure that households and public transport systems continue functioning without disruption.
Industrial Sectors to Receive Limited Supply
While households and transport sectors will receive full supply, other sectors will face controlled supply limits.
Industries such as:
- Tea industry
- Manufacturing units
- Industrial consumers connected to the national gas grid
will receive 80 percent of their average natural gas supply based on the past six months.
Industrial and commercial consumers supplied through city gas distribution networks will also receive 80 percent of their previous six-month average consumption.
Fertilizer Plants Allocated 70% Supply
Fertilizer plants will receive 70 percent of their previous six-month average natural gas supply.
The government introduced this measure to balance gas allocation while continuing to support fertilizer production and agricultural requirements.
Refineries to Reduce Gas Consumption
To support LPG production and domestic fuel supply, the government has ordered a 35 percent reduction in natural gas supply to refineries and petrochemical plants.
This decision will help redirect gas resources toward essential sectors and cooking gas production.
Global Supply Pressure Due to West Asia Conflict
India imports a significant portion of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 30 percent of the country’s gas supply.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the West Asia region have created logistical challenges for global energy trade.
To maintain supply stability, the government has started purchasing natural gas through alternative trade routes.
Committee Formed to Review LPG Supply for Other Sectors
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also formed a committee to review LPG supply requests from sectors such as:
- Restaurants
- Automobile sector
- Other commercial users
The committee will assess the requirements and allocate LPG based on availability.
25-Day Gap Introduced for LPG Booking
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, the government has introduced a 25-day inter-booking period for LPG cylinder refills.
Consumers must now wait at least 25 days before booking their next LPG cylinder.
Officials say this rule will ensure fair distribution and better supply management across the country.
Government Focuses on Energy Security
The Petroleum Ministry said the government is closely monitoring global fuel markets.
“In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on LPG availability, the Ministry has issued orders to increase LPG production and ensure the additional output serves domestic consumers,” the ministry stated.
The government aims to maintain stable LPG supply, secure natural gas distribution, and protect household energy needs across India.
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