Government Clamps Down on Dual Gas Connections to Streamline Subsidies

The government is enforcing a ban on dual ownership of LPG and PNG connections, aiming to prevent misuse and streamline subsidies. Households with PNG connections are required to surrender their LPG connections, as the move prioritizes LPG for those without access to piped gas amidst global supply disruptions.

The government is taking steps to enforce a restriction on households having both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) connections. This move aims to curb the misuse of gas resources and ensure subsidies reach the intended recipients.

An order was issued on March 14 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, under the Essential Commodities Act, requiring consumers with PNG connections to relinquish their domestic LPG connections. This decision is intended to accelerate the rollout of PNG and reduce pressure on LPG supplies, especially given the current global energy supply challenges.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, reported that over 43,000 households with dual connections have already complied. This is part of a broader strategy to focus LPG resources on households lacking piped gas access, particularly in light of energy import disruptions due to Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.