• Source:JND

India is currently facing an LPG supply shortage, which could turn into a major crisis if the war between Iran, the United States and Israel stretches to another week.

To tackle this, the Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (1955) and rejigged the allocation, regulating supplies to ensure domestic cooking gas remains available.

However, several reports regarding shortage, long queues, etc, indicating a visible ground effect, despite govt assurances, have surfaced. In contrast, the piped natural gas (PNG), which was also included in the 'no-cut' category, has remained largely unaffected.

Why PNG is facing crisis better than LPG?

Consumer base: According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), India consumed about 31.3 million tonnes of LPG in FY2024-25. Out of this, 60 per cent was imported. According to MoPNG, India has over 33.2 crore active LPG connections, while there are only 1.36 crore PNG connections.

ALSO READ: LPG Shortage In Shimla: Tourism Industry Hit As Hotels Cancel Weddings, Big Events

Logistical limitations: LPG cylinders pass through multiple levels before reaching the household. LPG follows a path of processing, bottling, storage and distribution.

Each stage already has some potential supply disruptions, which were aggravated during the recent conflict. Besides, the delivery process also poses challenges because of concerns of black marketing, the 25-day inter-booking rule, and panic buying.

In the case of PNG, the gas is supplied directly to the houses using pipes.

Domestic production: PNG is domestically produced and administered gas, primarily from ONGC and Oil India nomination fields.

It is already safe from global LNG price volatility and import disruptions.

How to get PNG connection?

Here are the steps to get a PNG connection:

Check whether your city/building has an active PNG pipeline network and which supplier provides the connection.

  • Visit the company's website and apply online.
  • An application can also be submitted offline at the nearest company office.
  • Submit documents, typically an address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Ration Card, or Voter ID), ownership proof (Property Tax receipt, Sale Deed, or Society Share Certificate) and a photograph.
  • After the application, a survey will be conducted during a technical visit.
  • Once approved, a connection fee will have to be paid to activate the connection.

  • ALSO READ: West Bengal: Shortage Of LPG Cylinders Affect Midday Meal Programme In Schools

What are IGL (Delhi) subscription plans?

Scheme A5 (Upfront Payment)
Total Amount: Rs 6,500
Refundable Security Deposit: Rs 6,000
Refundable Payment Security Deposit: Rs 500
Application/Admin Fee: Nil

Scheme B5 (Easy Payment Scheme)
Total Amount: Rs 7,650
Administrative Charges: Rs 1,150 (Non-refundable)
Refundable Payment Security Deposit: Rs 500
Refundable Connection Security Deposit: Rs 500 collected per bill for 12 instalments (Total Rs 6,000)

FDC Scheme: The scheme provisions a Rs 1000 consumption deposit, with a charge of Rs 1 per day (plus 18% GST) added to bills.

EMI plans

  • Scheme 1: By paying Rs 275 non-refundable admin fee, a person can pay 14 bi-monthly instalments of Rs 500.
  • Scheme 2: Rs 1000 consumption deposit, followed by 60 bi-monthly instalments of Rs 100

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