Consumers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in India may face a major change as the central government has reportedly directed that households should maintain only one gas connection. Consumers who currently hold both LPG and PNG connections may be required to surrender one of them. The move comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted supplies of gas, oil and fertilisers in several countries, prompting governments to introduce stricter measures to manage energy resources.
According to officials, many households in India currently use both PNG and LPG connections for convenience. However, the Centre has reportedly identified instances of subsidy misuse under the existing system. In response, the government plans to strictly implement a “one household, one fuel connection” policy. Under the proposed rule, households with PNG connections will be required to surrender their LPG connection, and subsidies will be applicable to only one fuel connection. Consumers who retain PNG connections will not be eligible for LPG subsidies, while PNG gas supply will continue without interruption after surrendering the LPG connection.
Authorities believe the decision will improve transparency in fuel usage and help curb illegal or duplicate gas connections. The policy is also expected to ensure better distribution of available gas resources at a time when global supply chains are facing uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions.
However, the decision has drawn mixed reactions from consumers. While some believe households with PNG connections may not require LPG cylinders, others argue that LPG serves as a crucial backup during emergencies or disruptions in piped gas supply. Critics say removing that option could create difficulties for households during unforeseen situations.