In a major step aimed at conserving national fuel resources, the Union government has directed that households already connected to piped natural gas (PNG) will no longer be eligible to obtain or retain domestic LPG cylinders.
The revised order, issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday, amends existing regulations governing the distribution of cooking gas across the country. Under the directive, government-run oil marketing companies have been instructed not to issue new LPG connections or refill cylinders for consumers whose homes are already supplied with cooking gas through PNG pipelines.
Officials stated that households with PNG connections will be required to surrender their LPG cylinders along with related equipment. The measure is intended to optimise the use of limited LPG supplies at a time when global supply chains are facing pressure.
Move Linked to Global Energy Uncertainty
The decision comes amid disruptions to global energy trade routes, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. Shipping challenges in the region have raised concerns about the stability of fuel imports.
India is one of the world’s largest consumers of liquefied petroleum gas and depends significantly on overseas imports to meet domestic demand. Government data indicates that nearly 90 per cent of the LPG used by Indian households is imported, making the country sensitive to global supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
By restricting LPG supply to homes that already have PNG connections, authorities hope to channel available LPG resources toward households that do not have access to alternative fuel sources.
Advisory Issued on Fuel Storage Safety
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also issued an urgent advisory on fuel safety, cautioning citizens against storing petrol or diesel in inappropriate containers.
Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country. Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks. Retail outlets have been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines while dispensing fuel, and any violation will invite strict action,” the Ministry stated in a post on X.
Government Says Fuel Supply Stable
Despite the precautionary steps, officials maintained that the country’s overall fuel supply remains stable and that sufficient stocks are available at retail outlets.
Meanwhile, airlines including IndiGo and Air India on Sunday issued advisories regarding disruptions to flights to the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, as the evolving crisis in West Asia has led to operational restrictions and changes in flight schedules across the region.
In a post on X, IndiGo informed passengers that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted, leading to modifications in schedules. “Update: Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules. Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. We are also sending out notifications to keep customers informed of the lat
India currently operates around 100,000 fuel stations across the country, and authorities said there have been no reports of shortages. Consumers have also been urged not to resort to panic buying.
A senior official noted that India has emerged as a major refining hub with an annual refining capacity of around 258 million metric tonnes, making it the fourth-largest refining centre in the world. As a result, the country produces enough petrol and diesel to meet its domestic demand.
