Centre has started identifying households that hold both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) connections, enforcing ban on dual ownership. The move is aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring that subsidies reach the right beneficiaries.
The rule, introduced through an amendment to the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000 under the Essential Commodities Act, makes it mandatory for households with PNG connections to give up their domestic LPG connections.
Consumers asked to surrender LPG connections
As per the new order, households with piped gas are no longer allowed to keep or refill LPG cylinders. They are also barred from applying for new LPG connections.
The notification clearly states, “No person having a piped natural gas (PNG) connection and also having a domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection”, reported PTI.
Government oil companies and their distributors have also been directed not to provide LPG connections or refills to such consumers.
Low compliance so far, more expected
Officials said the process of identifying such households is underway. “Assessment is being done as to how many have dual connections,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
So far, over 43,000 consumers have surrendered their LPG connections. However, the government believes the number should be higher and expects more households to comply in the coming months, as per the news agency.
Why this move?
– The move is aimed at easing supply pressure. The decision comes at a time when India is facing pressure on energy supplies due to global disruptions. India depends heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing about 88 per cent of crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas, and 60 per cent of LPG from abroad.
– By removing dual connections, the government aims to prioritise LPG availability for households that do not have access to piped gas.
– It also aligns with the government’s push to expand PNG infrastructure across cities. By encouraging households to rely on piped gas instead of LPG, authorities aim to create a more efficient and sustainable distribution system.
West Asia tensions worsen supply concerns
The situation has been further complicated by tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted energy supplies. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz a key route for oil and gas shipments—has affected imports from major suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
While India has managed to partly offset crude oil shortages by importing from countries like Russia, gas supplies have been cut for industrial users. LPG availability has also been reduced for commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants.
In response to the crisis, the government has temporarily stopped issuing new LPG connections.
(With PTI Inputs)