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- By Vaidika Thapa
- Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The government is reportedly preparing to launch a nationwide campaign to reduce dependence on traditional LPG cylinders and encourage the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for cooking purposes. The initiative aims to expand PNG connections rapidly in areas where the required infrastructure is already available, promoting a cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel system.
Nationwide Push To Shift Households To PNG
According to a letter issued by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary, Neeraj Mittal, it has become necessary to reduce reliance on LPG due to recent global developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the heavy subsidy provided on LPG continues to pose a significant economic challenge for the government.
The report reveals that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are currently incurring a loss of Rs 690 per LPG cylinder. On an annual basis, this loss amounts to Rs 1,38,000 crore. Additionally, the government provides an extra subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, entailing an annual burden of Rs 19,000 crore.
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Who Will Get Notice?
According to Jagran.com report, citing a PIB release, the government has directed oil companies and City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities to issue notices to consumers in the following cases:
Consumers with dual connections: Individuals who possess a PNG connection but have not yet surrendered their LPG connection. This measure aims to curb the black marketing and unnecessary use of LPG.
Prospective consumers: People residing in areas where PNG pipelines have been laid but who have not yet switched to the service.
Furthermore, District Collectors, District Magistrates, and municipal officials have been entrusted to ensure the success of this campaign. They have been instructed to encourage consumers at the local level to fully transition from LPG to PNG. This move follows the government's recent notification, which introduces greater flexibility for consumers using both LPG and PNG.
Under the revised rules, consumers who have both LPG and PNG connections can choose to terminate their LPG connection within 30 days of getting a PNG connection, or opt for a transfer voucher that allows them to restore their LPG connection later in areas where PNG is not available. The effort is part of the government's broader plan to enhance energy security, reduce import dependence, and free up LPG for remote regions.
Hardeep Puri Confirms Expansion
On Wednesday, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also reiterated that the government is expanding the supply of PNG to households and efforts are being made to convert LPG connections to PNG connections. PNG is considered a cleaner fuel than LPG.