LPG Price Hike: Is PNG Cheaper Than LPG? How to Switch After the Latest Cooking Gas Price Increase

The latest LPG price hike has once again started among households about whether it is time to switch from LPG cylinders to PNG or Piped Natural Gas. With domestic LPG cylinder prices rising by Rs. 29 from June 7 and touching Rs. 942 in Delhi for non-PMUY consumers, many families are looking for cheaper and more stable alternatives for daily cooking needs.

Estimates suggest that PNG is currently around 15% cheaper than LPG on an energy-equivalent basis, and it is an attractive option for households located in areas covered by city gas distribution networks.

Is PNG Cheaper Than LPG?

According to industry data, LPG currently costs around Rs. 4.94 per unit of energy, while PNG costs approximately Rs. 4.20 per unit. This means PNG is nearly 15% cheaper than LPG for regular household usage.

For an average family, the savings can be significant. While an LPG-based household may spend around Rs. 2,100 over a 60-day period, a similar household using PNG may spend around Rs. 1,300 during the same period, resulting in savings of nearly Rs. 800 every two months.
Families using six LPG cylinders annually can save around Rs. 20 per month, while households consuming 12 cylinders per year could save Rs. 50 or more every month. The savings become more noticeable for larger families and heavy users.

Why Are Consumers Considering PNG After the LPG Price Hike?

The latest increase has pushed domestic LPG cylinder prices to Rs. 942 in Delhi, which is the second hike this year after the Rs. 60 increase announced earlier. Combined, cooking gas prices have risen by Rs. 89 within a span of three months.
At the same time, PNG prices have been relatively stable and are generally less volatile than LPG prices, which are influenced by international crude oil and LPG benchmarks.

Many consumers also view PNG as a more convenient option because they no longer need to book cylinders, wait for deliveries or worry about supply disruptions caused by global events such as the ongoing West Asia crisis.

PNG vs LPG: Top Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of PNG is that consumers pay only for the gas they actually use. Unlike LPG cylinders, which require payment for the entire cylinder upfront, PNG is supplied through pipelines and billed through a meter, similar to electricity or water.
PNG users also avoid delivery charges, cylinder handling issues and refill delays. Since the gas is supplied directly through pipelines, households receive uninterrupted fuel without needing to monitor cylinder levels.

Another benefit is price stability. While LPG prices can fluctuate due to changes in global energy markets, PNG prices are generally more regulated and experience fewer sharp increases.

How to Switch From LPG to PNG

Consumers living in cities where PNG infrastructure is available can apply for a new PNG connection through their local city gas distributor.
The process begins with checking whether pipeline connectivity is available in the area.

After submitting an application, the gas company conducts a feasibility assessment and confirms whether the residence can be connected to the network.

Once approved, technicians install the gas pipeline, meter and internal fittings.

Some households may also need minor modifications to their stove burners to make them compatible with PNG.

A final safety inspection is conducted before the connection is activated.

What Does It Cost to Install PNG?

The total cost of switching from LPG to PNG typically ranges between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 10,000, depending on the city and distributor.
This amount generally includes installation charges, security deposits, meter costs and other setup expenses.

Some city gas distributors also offer EMI facilities or promotional discounts to reduce the upfront burden on consumers.

What Happens to Your Existing LPG Connection?

After obtaining a PNG connection, consumers can surrender their LPG connection online.

State-run oil companies have simplified the process, allowing households to request cylinder pickup and refunds digitally without visiting distributor offices.

Recent policy changes have also introduced transfer vouchers, enabling consumers to restore their LPG connection in the future if they relocate to an area where PNG is not available.

Important Rules for Consumers

In several notified areas covered by city gas networks, authorities have encouraged consumers to shift to PNG within a specified period after receiving official notification.

Households are generally not allowed to maintain active LPG and PNG connections simultaneously for the same domestic cooking purpose. Consumers should verify local regulations with their city gas distributor before making the switch.