The Government Has Its Eye on Those Holding Both PNG and LPG Connections; Over 43,000 People Have Already Surrendered Them..

The government is identifying households that hold both LPG and PNG connections in an effort to prevent the misuse of cooking gas subsidies and to ensure supplies reach eligible consumers. In a notification issued on March 14 under the Essential Commodities Act (ESMA), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the LPG Supply and Distribution Order, 2000, thereby prohibiting consumers who possess a PNG connection from holding a domestic LPG connection or getting it refilled.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry, stated on Thursday that consumers holding dual gas connections are currently being assessed. So far, more than 43,000 such consumers have surrendered their LPG connections. She added, "Although this figure is lower than expected, we anticipate this number to be much higher."

**One Connection Must Be Surrendered**

According to the new directive, consumers holding a PNG connection must immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection. Furthermore, PNG connection holders have been barred from obtaining a new LPG connection. Concurrently, state-run oil companies and their distributors have been prohibited from issuing LPG connections to such consumers or refilling their cylinders.

**The Government's Objective**

This measure has been taken with the aim of prioritizing LPG supplies for households that do not have access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities. Amidst the global pressure on energy supplies stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, India is compelled to re-adjust its gas allocation strategy. India imports approximately 88 percent of its crude oil requirements, 50 percent of its natural gas, and 60 percent of its LPG. Given the prevailing circumstances, the government has also temporarily suspended the issuance of new LPG connections.

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