The government has urged commercial LPG consumers to shift to piped natural gas wherever possible as part of efforts to ease pressure on LPG supplies and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the move has been discussed over the past few days as authorities look to ensure stable fuel availability across the country.
She said commercial LPG users located in areas where piped natural gas infrastructure already exists should consider switching to PNG connections.
The government is also encouraging the transition by working with gas distribution companies that are offering incentives to attract new consumers.
“To promote PNG connections, certain incentives have been announced by some companies. For instance, Indraprastha Gas Limited has said that if a domestic consumer gets connected before March 31 and starts purchasing gas, they will receive free gas worth Rs 500,” Sharma said.
“GAIL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited are also offering incentives. These efforts are aimed at encouraging more people to shift to cleaner fuel such as PNG,” she added.
Officials say the push for PNG is not only aimed at easing demand pressure on LPG cylinders but also at promoting cleaner fuel use.
PNG is considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared with LPG and is supplied directly through pipelines, eliminating the need for cylinder deliveries and storage.
The government has been expanding city gas distribution networks in several parts of the country in recent years to increase access to piped natural gas for both households and commercial establishments.
Officials said encouraging consumers to shift to PNG where infrastructure is available could help improve the efficiency of fuel distribution and reduce pressure on LPG supplies.
The move comes at a time when energy supply chains are being closely monitored due to geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel markets.
