Centre Bars LPG Cylinders for Homes with PNG Amid West Asia Crisis

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, banning LPG connections and refills for households that already have a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection.

The decision comes as the government moves to manage energy supplies amid disruptions in global oil and gas shipping caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Under the revised rules, households with PNG connections will no longer be eligible for new LPG connections or cylinder refills. The amendment also directs government-owned oil companies not to issue LPG cylinders or refill existing ones for such households.

Step Taken to Manage LPG Supply

Officials said the measure aims to ensure that LPG cylinders are prioritised for households that do not have alternative cooking fuel options.

India is the world’s second-largest consumer of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, importing nearly 90 percent of its LPG requirements from overseas markets.

Supply chains have been disrupted due to tensions in the region and the blockade of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for oil and gas shipments.

The disruption followed military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran.

Government Assures No Immediate Shortage

Despite the disruptions, the government said no LPG stock centres in India have run dry so far.

However, officials acknowledged that supply concerns have been triggered by a sharp increase in panic buying of LPG cylinders in several parts of the country.

Authorities have urged citizens not to hoard cylinders and assured that steps are being taken to stabilise supplies.

India Looking for Alternative LPG Sources

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently informed the Lok Sabha that India is exploring additional LPG imports from multiple countries.

These include the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia.

Puri said the government has also instructed domestic refiners to maximise LPG production, which has already resulted in a 28 percent increase in output.

Indian LPG Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz

Meanwhile, two LPG carriers owned by the Shipping Corporation of India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing tensions.

The vessels — Shivalik LPG Tanker and Nanda Devi LPG Tanker — are currently heading towards India.

According to officials, the ships are expected to reach Mundra Port on March 16 and Kandla Port on March 17.

Their passage through the strategic waterway follows diplomatic engagement between India and Iran aimed at ensuring safe transit for Indian energy shipments.

With tensions in West Asia continuing to affect global energy markets, the government is expected to closely monitor LPG supply and take further measures if necessary.