India bolsters piped gas supply amid supply GCC disruptions

Supply constraints prompt a shift in gas consumption: India’s piped natural gas (PNG) network is expanding rapidly, with over 501k new connections added since March as the war accelerates efforts to transition eligible households away from cylindered gas, PTI reports, citing governmental data.

Why now: The push comes as authorities manage supply constraints linked to disruptions in the Middle East, with demand being redirected toward pipeline-based supply in areas where the infrastructure is already in place. Registrations for PNG connections in March have crossed 568k, while around 39.4k households have given up canned gas after transitioning to pipeline supply.

Why it matters: Expanding PNG coverage provides an immediate substitution option for LPG in connected urban areas, helping manage distribution pressures while maintaining stable household supply.

Driving the shift: Authorities have expedited approvals for pipeline connectivity and asked city gas distributors to prioritize PNG connections for users already within network coverage. Gas supply has been prioritized for domestic PNG and transport segments, with fertilizer units and industrial users taking second priority.

Supply adjustment: Household LPG supply continues without disruption, while availability for commercial users has been restored to about 70% of pre-crisis levels. “Our domestic LPG supply for household kitchens remains normal. Compared to bookings, there have been no reports of stock-outs at any LPG distributor. As for commercial LPG, it has been impacted, but supply has been restored to about 70%,” Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, said (watch, runtime: 1:32) during a briefing.

Supply of smaller 5-kg LPG cylinders has been increased to support migrant workers, with more than 1.9 mn units distributed since late March alongside targeted outreach campaigns, while overall LPG consumption remains at about 4.5-4.6 mn cylinders per day.

What’s next: The current PNG expansion drive will continue through June as authorities push for faster connections within existing city gas infrastructure.

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