Sri Vijaya Puram, May 26: In a move aimed at addressing gaps in household fuel transitions, the Centre has amended LPG supply rules to provide flexibility to consumers who shift to piped natural gas connections.
The government notified the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026 on May 25, introducing provisions that allow domestic LPG users who obtain PNG connections to either terminate their LPG connection or retain an option to restore it later.
The amendment enables consumers to apply for termination of their LPG connection within 30 days of getting a PNG connection. Alternatively, they can opt for a transfer voucher that allows future restoration of the LPG connection if they relocate to areas where PNG infrastructure is unavailable.
The policy intervention addresses a recurring issue faced by households transitioning between urban and non-urban areas, where access to piped gas networks remains uneven. By introducing a restoration mechanism, the government aims to prevent permanent loss of LPG access for consumers who may need to revert to cylinder-based supply systems.
Officials stated that the provision is expected to benefit a wide range of consumers, particularly those with transferable jobs, migrant families, tenants and students who frequently relocate between regions with varying levels of gas infrastructure.
The amendment reflects an attempt to align domestic fuel distribution policies with changing patterns of urbanisation and mobility. While PNG connections are expanding in several cities, large parts of the country still depend on LPG cylinders for cooking fuel, creating the need for flexible regulatory frameworks.
The introduction of a transfer voucher system is expected to simplify administrative processes for consumers who might otherwise face procedural hurdles in reapplying for LPG connections after relocation.
The revised rules come into effect immediately following notification and are part of broader efforts to streamline access to clean cooking fuel while accommodating shifts in residential and employment patterns across the country.
The development marks a policy shift towards offering consumers greater choice and continuity in fuel access, particularly in the context of expanding but uneven gas distribution infrastructure.
