New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to implement the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026, marking a significant shift in national energy policy.
This new directive requires households in areas where Piped Natural Gas infrastructure is established to apply for a connection within a three-month period.
Those who fail to transition within this timeline will face the automatic termination of their liquefied petroleum gas cylinder refills. Government officials have noted that exemptions will be granted only where a connection is technically infeasible, allowing residents to use cylinders under a No-Objection Certificate until the infrastructure issues are addressed.
This move is a direct response to global supply strains triggered by energy disruptions in West Asia, including shipping delays in the Strait of Hormuz and damage to critical liquefaction facilities.
By mandating the shift to piped gas in urban centers, the government aims to consolidate resources and redirect cylinder stocks to rural and underserved regions that lack pipeline access.
The policy also seeks to eliminate the logistical duplication of maintaining both delivery truck routes and underground pipe networks in the same neighborhoods.
To ensure the rapid expansion of the network, public authorities must now process Right of Way permissions for pipeline installation within strict windows of 10 to 60 days.
In cases where authorities do not respond, approvals will be deemed granted automatically. Furthermore, Resident Welfare Associations and housing societies are required to facilitate last-mile connectivity within three working days.
Any blocks to installation by these groups could result in the entire residential complex losing its supply once a formal notice is issued by the authorities.