NEW DELHI, AUG 23 (PTI): The Petroleum Ministry has asked states and Union Territories to appoint district-level nodal officers to help accelerate the shift of households from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) wherever the latter is available.
In a letter to chief secretaries, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said PNG was safer, cleaner and more efficient, while reducing the logistics burden of LPG distribution and improving utilisation of city gas infrastructure. The move follows disruptions to India’s LPG supply chains during the West Asia crisis earlier this year. Domestic PNG supplies, which received priority allocation of domestically produced gas, remained comparatively resilient.
Centre has notified new gas distribution and LPG control orders that prohibit households from retaining both LPG and PNG connections where PNG is available. LPG supply may be discontinued for households that fail to apply for PNG despite due notice.
Authorised city gas distribution entities and public-sector oil companies have been directed to establish PNG Coordination Committees in each geographical area. The committees will identify eligible households, issue notices, conduct outreach and facilitate connections.
The district administration will assist with access to housing societies, coordination between LPG distributors and gas companies, consumer verification and grievance resolution.
Mittal asked state Food and Civil Supplies departments to nominate one nodal officer in each district, not below the rank of District Supply Officer, to coordinate with the committees.
States and UTs have been asked to provide the officers’ details at the earliest and accord priority to the time-bound PNG expansion.
Monday, August 24, 2026