LPG-PNG New Rules: Indane Gas, HP Gas, Bharat Gas Connections To Be Cut If Not Switched To PNG; New Advisory!

A new framework has been introduced to push the adoption of piped natural gas (PNG), a cooking gas that is cleaner, safer, and more efficient. The Oil Ministry has issued a new advisory for ensuring that one household uses only one cooking gas connection. For this, they have directed to speed up the process of switching from LPG to PNG in places where the PNG infrastructure is available. If customers fail to adhere, then they may lose their Indane Gas, HP Gas or Bharat Gas LPG connections.

LPG-PNG New Rules:

As per reports, in a letter on August 21, the government has asked union territories to appoint district-level nodal officers to accelerate the process of switching from LPG to PNG wherever the network is available.

Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said, "PNG brings a safer, cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel, playing a critical role in advancing the country's energy transition objectives. Its accelerated adoption contributes to reducing the logistics burden associated with LPG distribution, enhancing consumer convenience, and improving utilisation of CGD infrastructure created through substantial public and private investment." This was said in a letter dated August 21.

Mittal pointed out that these district-level administrative support is essential for coordination between oil marketing companies (OMCs) and city-gas distributors (CGDs).

In India, the OMCs include Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL). While leading CGDs are Mahanagar Gas, Indraprastha Gas, Adani Total Gas, GAIL India, among others.

The new framework was introduced after the Oil Ministry made it mandatory for Indian households to only have one cooking gas connection. It was reported that many households have both LPG and PNG connections.

So under the new rule, for households that fail to apply for PNG connections wherever the infrastructure is available despite notices, their LPG cylinder connections could be discontinued.

Furthermore, the city gas distributors and OMCs are directed to set-up PNG Coordination Committees (PCCs) in every area geographically. PCCs task is to identify households and societies with PNG networks, to organize camps and facilitate the switch to PNG connections.

PCC is already in place; however, district-level intervention is required to accelerate the adoption of PNG in a prescribed timeframe.

District administrations will assist in securing right of way or right of use from housing societies and resident welfare associations; facilitate coordination between LPG distributors and CGD companies; support consumer verification and outreach; and address grievances, as per The New Indian Express.

Since the West Asian war, the government and OMCs have promoted to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) connection as it is more affordable, reliable, and less risky. Also, this reduces the burden on LPG allocations.

How To Surrender Your Indane Gas, HP Gas, Bharat Gas Connection?

STEP 1: Contact your local LPG distributor.

Step 2: Submit a voluntary surrender request with your LPG connection details.

Step 3: Return any LPG cylinders and regulator in your possession (if applicable) and terminate the connection. Alternatively, place the connection in safe custody.

Step 4: Collect your security deposit refund as per the surrender process. This is also applicable in the case of Safe custody.

How To Switch To PNG Connection?

To get a PNG connection, first you need to meet the eligibility criteria. The first and foremost is to check whether your society or area has PNG infrastructure, because this is the biggest priority. If they do, you can easily apply for a new PNG connection at the Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL websites or visit the LPG distributor for switching to PNG. You will be required to pay connection charges if required, along with surrendering your LPG connection and submitting necessary documents for new PNG connections.

For PNG, you will be required to submit documents like transfer and subscription vouchers of LPG, consumer records, security deposit receipts, address update details, and other identity proofs like Aadhaar card, Passport, electricity bill or driving license or PAN card and voter id.