The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday issued a revised supply order prohibiting households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections from keeping or acquiring domestic LPG cylinders. The move is aimed at conserving national fuel resources amid rising global supply uncertainties.
Under the amended Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, state-run oil marketing companies have been directed not to provide new LPG connections or refill existing cylinders for households that already have access to a PNG pipeline. Consumers falling under this category will be required to surrender their domestic LPG equipment.
The decision comes as the government looks to optimise energy resources in response to maritime disruptions in the Middle East, which have raised concerns about fuel supply chains. India, the world’s second-largest consumer of LPG, relies on imports for nearly 90% of its cooking gas requirements, making it vulnerable to global supply fluctuations.
The situation has been further complicated by disruptions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which a large portion of global energy supplies is transported. Alongside the supply order, the Petroleum Ministry also issued a safety advisory warning citizens against storing petrol or diesel in improper containers.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the ministry said that petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country and urged people not to panic.
“Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks,” the ministry said.