6,000 PNG users give up LPG connections to ease supply amid crisis
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New Delhi: Around 6,000 piped natural gas (PNG) consumers have surrendered their LPG connections to make the fuel available to households without PNG access, amid supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, a senior Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry official said on Sunday.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Neeraj Mittal said in a post on X that 6,000 PNG users had given up their LPG connections as of Saturday, urging others to follow suit and support those lacking PNG access.
More than 54 lakh LPG refills have been delivered till Saturday, with domestic cylinder distribution continuing normally despite the prevailing geopolitical challenges affecting supply chains. The ministry said there were no reports of shortages at LPG distributorships, while online bookings rose to 91 per cent across the industry.
To curb diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have increased significantly from 53 per cent in February 2026 to 84 per cent now.
The ministry added that all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Domestic LPG production has also been ramped up to meet consumption needs.
Consumers have been prioritised, with 100 per cent supply ensured for domestic PNG users and CNG transport, while industrial and commercial users connected to the grid are receiving 80 per cent of their average consumption.
Authorities are also stepping up enforcement to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Around 2,900 raids have been conducted across states and Union Territories, leading to the seizure of over 1,700 cylinders. Public sector oil marketing companies have issued more than 390 show-cause notices to LPG distributors so far.
Retail fuel outlets across the country continue to function normally. The government has also reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre to ease the burden on consumers.
With IANS inputs