Highlights: States told to act against LPG black marketing, control rooms set up across India

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live Updates: The central government has announced measures to ease the ongoing LPG supply squeeze in India, now entering its third week. Priority continues to be given to domestic households amid blocked imports from West Asia, which account for nearly 60% of India’s LPG supply.

Commercial LPG allocations are being increased selectively for states that fast-track the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) networks, an alternative to LPG for households and commercial establishments.

Officials emphasized that LPG users should switch to PNG wherever city gas distribution (CGD) networks are available. The government has also urged states to implement reforms, reduce charges, and expedite approvals to support natural gas adoption, while ensuring commercial LPG allocation is prioritised efficiently. Stay With TOI For Latest Updates

05:51 (IST) Mar 18

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live: Expanding user base of IGL connect

The growing demand is reflected in the expanding user base of the IGL Connect platform, said the official. The application now has nearly 8.5 lakh active users while total registrations have crossed 13 lakh, showing significant adoption among consumers. The surge in digital engagement coincides with rising interest in PNG connections, as more households are looking for uninterrupted access to cooking gas amid reported disruptions in LPG supply caused by US-Iran tensions. The IGL Connect app not only facilitates new registrations but also allows existing users to manage their accounts, request new connections, and track gas deliveries, reflecting a shift towards more tech-enabled consumer interactions in the NCR region.

05:49 (IST) Mar 18

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live: Enhanced installation and project capacity

IGL said it has effectively ramped up its project and installation teams to meet requirements. The company has doubled its installation capacity, ensuring the increased volume of requests does not lead to significant delays. “We are coming up withoffers where, on switching toPNG before March 31, one canget a Rs 500 discount on thebill,” said a senior official. The focus remains on maintaining continuity of supply while accommodating new consumers at a faster pace.

05:48 (IST) Mar 18

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live: Government guidelines on PNG and LPG connections

The government has stated that persons who have a PNG connection will no longer be allowed to obtain a new LPG connection or keep an additional LPG connection. In a notice, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas directed that households with PNG connections but not yet using the service should begin availing it. According to the ministry, India has 1.6 crore PNG connections, of which over 1 crore are actively using natural gas. The government has instructed city gas distribution entities to speed up the conversion of remaining consumers in areas where PNG infrastructure has already been laid and where households are willing to switch to PNG.

05:48 (IST) Mar 18

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live: Increase in domestic PNG connections

The rise in digital engagement has been accompanied by a notable increase in domestic PNG connections. Since March 1, IGL has commenced gas supply to more than 15,000 new households. This comes alongside a substantial jump in installation capacity, with the company completing between 1,300 and 1,500 connections per day. "Earlier this year, the average installation rate stood around 600-700 connections daily, highlighting a rapid scaling up of operations in response to growing demand," said an IGL spokesperson.

05:47 (IST) Mar 18

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live: Surge in IGL app registrations

According to official data, the IGL Connect app has recorded more than 22,000 new registrations in the first 15 days of March. This marks a 14% increase in the registration rate compared to February, indicating growing consumer interest. “The trend suggests that more users are not only downloading the app, but also actively signing up, possibly to secure uninterrupted access tocooking gas,” said an official.

LPG Gas Crisis in India Live Updates: As the LPG supply squeeze stretches into its third week, the central government has announced measures to increase commercial LPG supplies for states that accelerate piped natural gas rollout. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “LPG users should shift to PNG wherever there is a city gas distribution (CGD) network nearby.”

With imports from West Asia blocked, household LPG supplies continue, while commercial allocations have been selectively restored. Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal urged states to reduce charges, expedite approvals, and implement reforms to attract CGD investment, citing that easing costs could bridge the gap between 1.6 crore existing piped connections and the target of 12.63 crore.

States implementing reforms, such as forming approval panels, granting deemed permissions, introducing Dig and Restore schemes, and reducing rental/lease charges, can receive additional commercial LPG allocations of up to 10%.

The shortage has affected restaurants, industries, and essential services, while 15 states and UTs have issued guidelines for prioritising commercial LPG usage. Twelve states have utilised additional kerosene allocations to meet cooking and other needs. Meanwhile, India remains self-sufficient in petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.

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