West Asia conflict | Centre orders PNG users to surrender LPG cylinders

"No person having a Piped Natural Gas connection and also having domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection," the order read.

The government issued a new rule on Piped Natural Gas and LPG connections, amid the escalating crisis of cylinder supply.

An order by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas read, "No person having a Piped Natural Gas connection and also having domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection."

On Saturday, in a post on X, the ministry stated providing an advisory to citizens, "Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country. Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks."

"Retail outlets have been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines while dispensing fuel, and any violation will invite strict action," the statement read.

As the nation continues to navigate through the shortage of LPG, due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, many restaurants and eateries have temporarily shut down, altered menus, and even switched to other alternatives, such as firewood.

The government has prioritised household kitchens over industrial and commercial interests, including increasing the prices of non-subsidised LPG cylinder and extending the booking period from 21 to 25 days to prevent hoarding, to invoking the Essential Commodities Act to guarantee a seamless supply.

Refineries, such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have been instructed to increase LPG production and give "priority to domestic LPG over commercial connections".

On Tuesday (March 10), the government invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to prioritise regulating the availability, supply and equitable distribution of petroleum and petroleum products and natural gas.