Gas firms push PNG amid LPG concerns

City gas distribution companies have introduced incentives to encourage households and businesses to shift from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) as the government works to reduce pressure on cooking gas supplies. The move comes amid concerns over disruptions in energy imports due to tensions affecting supply routes.

According to a senior official in the petroleum ministry, companies are offering several benefits to attract consumers. Indraprastha Gas Ltd is providing domestic users free gas worth Rs 500 if they take a PNG connection and start using it before March 31. Mumbai-based Mahanagar Gas Ltd has waived the Rs 500 registration charge for domestic households and the security deposit of Rs 1–5 lakh for commercial users. Similar promotional schemes have also been launched by GAIL and BPCL.

The government said the current situation is worrying but assured that domestic LPG consumers continue to receive supplies and there are no reports of dry-outs at distributorships. LPG refill bookings have dropped to about 50–55 lakh on March 15 from 77 lakh earlier and a peak of 88.8 lakh on March 13. Officials said it is unclear whether the decline is temporary.

India imports nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas and about 60 per cent of LPG requirements. A large share of these imports comes from West Asian countries through the Strait of Hormuz, which has recently faced disruptions due to regional conflict.

Industries and commercial establishments dependent on LPG are already feeling the impact. Restaurants are reducing slow-cooked dishes, while sectors such as ceramics, brick manufacturing and glass units are facing operational challenges. Authorities have also intensified checks to curb hoarding and black marketing while urging consumers to use online booking and consider PNG wherever pipelines are available.