New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over LPG availability and delays in refills, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on Wednesday addressed a press meet outlining the government’s response strategy and its accelerated push towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
The briefing comes against the backdrop of a widening gap between LPG bookings and deliveries, with consumers in several parts of the country reportedly facing a waiting period of up to 35 days for cylinder refills. The delay has triggered anxiety among households, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where LPG remains the primary cooking fuel.
Addressing these concerns, Sharma acknowledged the pressure on LPG supply chains but urged citizens not to panic. She clarified that while global disruptions—particularly due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia—have affected supply logistics, the government is taking multiple steps to stabilise availability. Domestic supply, she noted, is currently meeting only about 50–60% of total demand, necessitating careful management and prioritisation.
A key focus of the press meet was the government’s strong push towards PNG adoption. Sharma stated that in areas where PNG infrastructure is already in place, consumers would be encouraged—and eventually required—to shift from LPG to pipeline-based gas. The move is aimed at reducing dependence on imported LPG and ensuring a more reliable and continuous fuel supply.
Officials highlighted that PNG offers several advantages, including uninterrupted availability, lower vulnerability to global supply shocks, and cleaner combustion. The expansion of the City Gas Distribution network has made PNG accessible to a growing number of households, and authorities are now keen to accelerate its adoption.
At the same time, Sharma emphasised that there is no immediate shortage of petrol and diesel, and refinery operations across the country remain stable. She dismissed rumours of fuel rationing but advised consumers to use LPG judiciously in view of the current constraints. The government is also sourcing LPG from multiple international partners to bridge the supply gap and minimise disruptions.
The press meet further noted that a noticeable number of consumers have already begun shifting to PNG, reflecting a gradual behavioural change in response to the evolving situation. However, officials acknowledged that the transition would take time, particularly in regions where pipeline infrastructure is still under development.
The emergence of a 35-day booking gap has brought into sharp focus the challenges of India’s energy dependence in a volatile global environment. While schemes in recent years have expanded LPG access across households, the present situation underlines the need for a more diversified and resilient energy framework.
As India navigates this phase of uncertainty, the government’s approach appears to rest on a dual strategy—managing immediate supply constraints while accelerating a long-term shift towards alternative energy sources such as PNG. How effectively this transition is implemented will determine not only the ease of access for consumers but also the country’s broader energy security in the months ahead.
