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India Boosts PNG Pipeline Network to Strengthen Energy Security

The Indian government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, to streamline the expansion of PNG pipelines and bolster the nation's gas-based economy. It has implemented measures to secure domestic LPG supply, reporting normal deliveries and increased online bookings to prevent shortages. Additional steps include boosting allocations for commercial LPG and fertilizer plants, while prioritizing connections for migrant laborers and commercial establishments. The initiative has already seen significant progress, with over 424,000 new PNG connections activated since March 2026.

Key Points: India Expands PNG Pipelines, Secures LPG Supply Amid Global Crisis

  • New pipeline distribution order notified
  • LPG supply secured with no dry-outs reported
  • Enhanced allocation for fertilizer plants and commercial LPG
  • Focus on connections for migrant labourers and commercial establishments
  • Over 4.24 lakh new PNG connections gasified since March
2 min read

Government lays down framework to expand PNG pipelines: Petroleum Ministry

Government notifies new order to accelerate PNG network growth and ensure LPG supply stability, enhancing India's energy security and gas-based economy.

"The Order is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels. - Petroleum Ministry"

New Delhi, April 12

The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and undertaking coordinated measures to ensure preparedness across critical sectors, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said.

The government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, providing a streamlined framework for laying and expanding pipelines. "The Order is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India's gas-based economy," a statement by the Ministry.

To address the impact of the geopolitical situation on LPG supply, the government has taken several measures. "No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships," said the Ministry, adding that online LPG bookings have increased to about 98% across the industry.

To prevent diversion, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 93%. "Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal," said the Ministry, highlighting that on 11.04.2026, more than 52.3 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered. The government has also taken steps to increase commercial LPG supply, with total allocation increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.

The government has also doubled the daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers. "These 5 Kg FTL cylinders will be at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)," said the Ministry. PSU OMCs have organised around 3300 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, selling over 35,800 cylinders.

To prioritize consumers, 100% supply is being made to domestic PNG and CNG transport. "Based on available inventory and scheduled LNG cargo arrivals, the overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants is being further enhanced by 5% to reach approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption, effective 09.04.2026," said the Ministry. CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments, and States/UTs have been requested to expedite approvals for CGD network expansion.

To encourage CBG development, the government has developed a model draft State CBG Policy, prioritizing States that opt for it for additional commercial LPG allocation. Since March 2026, over 4.24 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, with more than 4.66 lakh customers registering for new connections.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see proactive measures being taken amidst the West Asia situation. The 98% online booking for LPG is impressive. Hope the pipeline expansion happens quickly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, not just metros.
V
Vikram M
While the framework is good, the real test is execution. In my area, we've been waiting for PNG connection for over a year due to local municipal delays. The order asking States to expedite approvals is crucial. Hope it translates to action on ground.
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Priyanka N
Shifting to a gas-based economy is the need of the hour for cleaner air. The stats on new connections are encouraging. The DAC system for LPG is also a smart way to prevent black marketing. More such transparency measures are welcome.
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Rohit P
Ensuring 95% supply to fertilizer plants is critical for our farmers and food security. The focus on CBG (Compressed Biogas) is also a great long-term vision for using agricultural waste. Hope the model state policy gets adopted widely.
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Michael C
The numbers look good on paper - 52 lakh cylinders delivered in a day is massive. But I have a respectful criticism: the article doesn't mention pricing. Will expanded PNG networks lead to more affordable fuel for the middle class, or will it be another utility burden?
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Ananya R

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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