The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, on March 24, to accelerate pipeline expansion amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. This addresses delays in approvals, land access, and regulatory hurdles for City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
Key Objectives
The order establishes uniform timelines and processes under the Essential Commodities Act, enabling last-mile PNG connectivity and freeing LPG for non-pipeline areas. It targets cooking, transport, and industrial use, reducing reliance on imports hit by the West Asia conflict.
Infrastructure Push
With 90% of LPG imports affected, the framework cuts administrative discretion, exorbitant fees, and consumer resistance. PNG rollout supports India’s gas-based economy transition, improving air quality and energy security.
Broader Impact
Expected to boost investor confidence and rapid scaling, the immediate-effect order positions natural gas as a cleaner transition fuel amid global supply risks.
