A new government framework is pushing households to switch from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) wherever PNG facilities are already available.
The move is aimed at encouraging the use of PNG, which is considered a cleaner and more convenient cooking fuel.
The government has also directed that one household should have only one cooking gas connection.
This means households using both LPG and PNG may need to choose one.
If a household has access to PNG but does not switch despite receiving notices, its LPG connection could potentially be discontinued.
Government Wants Faster LPG-to-PNG Switching
According to reports, the Oil Ministry sent a letter to Union Territories on August 21, asking them to appoint district-level nodal officers.
These officers will help speed up the process of shifting households from LPG to PNG in areas where the PNG network is already available.
Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said that PNG offers a safer, cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel option.
Faster adoption of PNG can also reduce the logistical burden involved in LPG cylinder distribution.
District-level officials will help coordinate between oil marketing companies (OMCs) and city gas distributors (CGDs).
OMCs include Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. Major CGDs include companies such as Mahanagar Gas, Indraprastha Gas, Adani Total Gas and GAIL India.
PNG Coordination Committees to Help Households Switch
The government has directed OMCs and city gas distributors to establish PNG Coordination Committees (PCCs) in different areas.
These committees will identify households and housing societies where PNG pipelines are already available.
They will also organise camps, help consumers complete the required formalities and make it easier to shift from LPG to PNG.
District administrations will further assist by coordinating with housing societies and resident welfare associations. They will also help LPG distributors and PNG companies work together, verify consumers and address complaints.
How to Surrender Your LPG Connection
If PNG is available in your area and you decide to switch, you can surrender your existing LPG connection.
The basic process is:
Contact your local LPG distributor.
Submit a request to voluntarily surrender the LPG connection.
Provide your LPG connection details.
Return the LPG cylinder and regulator, wherever applicable.
Complete the termination or safe-custody process.
Collect your eligible security deposit refund according to the applicable process.
How to Apply for a PNG Connection
Before applying, first check whether PNG infrastructure is available in your area or housing society.
If the facility is available, you can apply for a new PNG connection through the relevant gas company’s website or by contacting the concerned distributor.
You may have to pay applicable connection charges and submit the required documents.
Documents can include LPG transfer or subscription records, consumer details, security deposit receipts, address proof and identity documents.
Common identity and address documents include Aadhaar card, passport, electricity bill, driving licence, PAN card or voter ID.
What Does the New Rule Mean for LPG Users?
The key point is that households should not maintain both LPG and PNG cooking gas connections where the new framework applies.
If PNG infrastructure is available in your area, authorities and gas companies may contact eligible households to encourage the switch.
Consumers should therefore check whether PNG is available in their locality and understand the applicable process before surrendering their LPG connection.
