The Centre has asked authorities to speed up the approval process for city gas projects and has also increased the supply of commercial LPG to ease pressure on fuel availability in key sectors. In a recent directive, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) instructed its offices to clear applications related to city gas distribution (CGD) within 10 days. The move is aimed at expanding the network of piped natural gas (PNG) and improving access to cleaner fuel in urban areas. Officials said the decision comes at a time when global conditions remain uncertain, affecting energy supply and pricing. By fast-tracking approvals, the government hopes to ensure quicker rollout of gas infrastructure and reduce delays in project implementation. As part of a wider plan, commercial LPG users in cities have also been advised to shift to PNG wherever possible. This step is expected to reduce dependence on LPG and make supply more stable in the long run.
The government said that domestic LPG supply remains normal across the country. There have been no reports of shortages at distributorships, and delivery systems are functioning smoothly. Most LPG deliveries are now being done through the delivery authentication code (DAC) system, and panic booking by consumers has reduced.At the same time, the Centre has increased the allocation of commercial LPG in phases. After restoring 20 percent supply earlier, an additional 10 percent was announced on March 18. A further 20 percent increase was approved on March 21, taking the total supply level to 50 percent. The increased supply has been directed towards sectors that depend heavily on LPG, including restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, dairy operations, and community kitchens. Subsidised food outlets run by state governments and local bodies have also been included under this allocation.
Officials said special provision has been made for 5 kg LPG cylinders to support migrant workers in urban areas. So far, around 20 states and union territories have implemented the revised guidelines. In other regions, public sector oil marketing companies are continuing to supply commercial LPG as per the updated allocations.
