Gas Cylinder Connection To Be Removed After 90-Days: Why LPG Users Should Choose PNG? Which Is Better?

The government has announced an ultimatum for Indian households to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) instead of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas cylinders. The latest order of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has opened a 90-day transition window for eligible consumers to switch their LPG connections to PNG. This is applicable in societies and areas where PNG infrastructure is available. Despite having PNG networks and still avoiding the facility, the government will disconnect your LPG connection after 3 months.

LPG To PNG: 90-Days Rule

In an order dated on March 24, the government's notification said "the increase in supply of natural gas through pipelines to domestic consumers shall enable the release of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (hereafter referred to as the "LPG") from those areas across the country where there is natural gas pipeline connectivity and to make available additional volumes of LPG where there is an absence of natural gas pipelines to reduce dependence on any one fuel."

Further, the order explained that the supply and distribution of natural gas to consumers will require laying of pipelines of different capacities originating from either a tap-off point from a large main transmission pipeline or a Liquefied Natural Gas (hereafter referred to as the "LNG") storage facility.

The government took the measure and imposed Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026.

Accordingly, the government has prioritized the transition of LPG to PNG. The latest update said that priority allocation continues with 100% supply to Domestic PNG and CNG transport, while supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is being maintained at around 80% of average consumption.

Gas distributing companies like IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are also advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens.

Furthermore, a 10% allocation of commercial LPG is given to states/union territories that can transition from LPG to PNG.

As per an order dated March 23rd, CGD entities are to prioritize PNG connections for residential schools, colleges, hostels, community kitchens and anganwadi kitchens within five days, wherever feasible.

Additionally, commercial LPG consumers in major cities and urban areas are encouraged to opt for PNG connections and may apply through email, letter or the customer portal of City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies.

It also needs to be noted that the government has already prohibited PNG consumers to surrender their domestic LPG connections and banned them from applying for new LPG connections.

Hence, the government's new order said that LPG supply "shall cease after three months' if a household does not switch to PNG despite the availability.

Why Is Government Pushing PNG Instead of LPG?

India faces a scarcity of LPG gas cylinders due to the Middle East war as the shipments have been delayed. The shipping operations of oil and gas has taken the hardest hit in the Gulf region as US-Israel enter the fourth week of war with Iran. Because of this, there has been continued blockage at the Strait of Hormuz, which impacted the supply of liquefied natural gas to India.

India is not alone; the majority of global economies are facing similar issues. Gasoline prices are sky-high in China, the United Kingdom, the USA, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and many other countries. An LPG crunch is being felt across the globe.

Hence, the Indian government is attempting to lessen the reliability of households on LPG and move consumers towards piped natural gas.

LPG vs PNG: Which Is Better?

According to the Indian Oil-Adani Gas JV website, here are some of the best reasons why consumers should choose PNG over LPG:

1. PNG can be supplied to your home non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. You don't need to worry about getting your LPG cylinder filled and keeping the tap on the dates when it might finish.

2. PNG is available continuously once you get a connection whereas the availability of LPG cylinders depends on the stock. PNG will be supplied to you through a pipeline and you can use it when you want it.

3. PNG is a very safe option. The pressure of PNG is around 21 millibar which is 200 times less than the usual gas supplied through cylinders. Natural gas is lighter than air, and when there is any sort of leakage, it gets mixed with the air instantly and evaporates in the air. On the other hand, LPG is heavier than air and during leakage, it settles down in the surroundings. This increases the chances of a fire from the cylinder.

4. If you opt for PNG, then once you get the gas connection you are free from the monthly fuss of booking gas and waiting for the cylinder. The gas is 24×7 available whenever you turn on your stove.

5. Just the way our electricity is metered, PNG is also metered. Hence, there is no chance of any tampering. While with LPG there are chances of tampering, and there have been many instances where customers get less weight LPG cylinders

6. When you use PNG, you only pay for what you consume. But in LPG, you will never be able to use the entire gas, as there is always some amount of gas left in the CNG.

7. LPG cylinder occupies great space in the kitchen. Whereas when it comes to PNG, only the pipe occupies space in the kitchen which is close to negligible.