These days, from tea shops to WhatsApp groups, there is only one discussion – ‘When will the gas cylinder come… If PNG is not taken, the LPG connection will be cut… And will we have to cook on kerosene stove now..’ Due to the Middle East war, LPG import got stuck, the struggle to save the domestic stove started. Meanwhile, the pressure of shortage of commercial gas is clearly visible in the country. Now the Central Government has issued a new order and ordered to disconnect LPG connections and has reintroduced kerosene oil in the markets. Will LPG cylinder not be available now? Will you have to cook food on kerosene stove again? In which states will gas connections be cut? Let us know in the explainer…
Question 1: What does the Central Government’s new order on PNG switch say?
answer: On March 24, 2026, the Petroleum Ministry has issued the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026. Where PNG pipeline is laid and available, it is mandatory for domestic consumers to take PNG connection within three months of receiving the notice. If not taken then LPG supply will be stopped at that address. The notice will be sent by registered or speed post. If it is not technically possible to provide PNG then the distributor can give NOC, then LPG will continue.
Those who already have both PNG and LPG will have to surrender the LPG connection. The objective is clear – to save LPG for those areas where PNG has not reached.
Question 2: What are the 5 major states of India doing to deal with the LPG crisis?
answer: Maharashtra government is strictly implementing the central order. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chandrabhag Bhujbal said that where PNG is available, especially in metro cities, it is necessary to get a PNG connection within three months. If not applied, LPG supply will be stopped. The state has started a special drive for industries so that PNG connections can be provided quickly. There will be a campaign to promote PNG in old housing societies also. A demand has been made to the Center to make PNG mandatory in new housing projects. Other than this:
- Delhi: Commercial LPG allocation will be based on the average consumption of the last three months. Daily supply has been increased by 50%. Priority will be given to hospitals, schools and migrant labourers.
- Gujarat: PNG is at second place in connections (26%). Kerosene supply has been started by rapidly implementing the switch order of the Centre.
- Uttar Pradesh: At number three in PNG connections. Kerosene was made available at ration shops and petrol pumps and emphasis is being laid on increasing PNG infrastructure.
- Haryana: Earlier it was a kerosene-free state, now PDS kerosene has been started for 60 days. The switch has been made mandatory in areas where PNG is available.
These states are the most active because the PNG network here is better than before. Rest of the states are also running commercial LPG allocation and PNG drives on the instructions of the Centre.
Question 3: Where did the issue of kerosene come from amidst the shortage of LPG?
answer: The Central Government has started a temporary emergency system for 60 days, whose name is Kerosene Oil. Supply of Public Distribution System (PDS) kerosene has been started in the first kerosene-free 21 states and union territories. This means that now kerosene oil will be sold across the country.
Kerosene oil will now also be sold at ration shops and select petrol pumps. Two public sector petrol pumps in every district have been given permission to keep additional stock. Families can use kerosene for cooking and lighting. This will last only for 60 days or until further orders. This will provide support to those people where LPG or PNG is not immediately available.
Question 4: So will the kitchen shift completely to kerosene stoves instead of cylinders?
answer: No, it is not so. Kerosene is only a temporary backup for 60 days, for areas where there is an immediate problem of LPG or PNG. The main goal of the government is to promote PNG because it is cheap, safe, based on domestic production and environment friendly. Domestic LPG is still a priority and there has been no large scale reduction. LPG will continue in small hotels, dhabas and villages without PNG. In the long run the PNG network will grow so that dependence on imports is reduced.
Question 5: What should the common man do now?
answer: If PNG is available in your area then apply immediately. There is three months time after receiving the notice. Other than this:
- Where there is no PNG, keep in touch with the LPG distributor and do not make panic booking.
- Check local rules before buying kerosene from ration shop or petrol pump.
- If you see black marketing, complain and avoid rumours.
- For more information, check your state food department, IOCL/BPCL/HPCL app or website.
All these measures are temporary and are towards strengthening PNG. If you have the option of PNG then switch to it. With this, LPG will reach those who have no other option.