If you use an LPG cylinder for cooking, it's important to understand the government's latest rules regarding gas connections. Under the 'One House, One Gas Connection' policy, consumers in areas served by Piped Natural Gas (PNG) may no longer be allowed to keep both an LPG and a PNG connection at the same address.

The move is aimed at eliminating duplicate gas connections, preventing misuse of government subsidies, and ensuring benefits reach eligible consumers.

However, the new 30-day and 90-day deadlines do not apply to everyone.

30-Day Deadline After Getting a PNG Connection

According to the new guidelines issued by the Petroleum Ministry and oil marketing companies, consumers who install a new PNG connection must surrender their existing LPG connection within 30 days.

For example, if a household receives a PNG connection on June 1, the LPG connection should be surrendered by June 30.

The objective is to prevent households from continuing to use two domestic cooking gas connections at the same address once PNG service becomes available.

90-Day Notice for Existing PNG Areas

The rules are slightly different in areas where PNG infrastructure is already operational.

Consumers who continue using LPG despite having access to an active PNG network may receive a 90-day notice from their gas agency, asking them to shift to PNG.

If they fail to switch within the stipulated period, their LPG connection could be temporarily suspended or cancelled, depending on the applicable guidelines.

The government says this measure is intended to encourage the use of piped natural gas, which eliminates the need for cylinder deliveries and is considered a more convenient fuel option in urban areas.

Who Is Exempt from the 30-90 Day Rule?

The new policy does not apply to:

• Consumers living in rural areas where PNG services are not available.

• Residents of towns, cities, or colonies that do not yet have a PNG pipeline network.

• Households in locations where piped gas infrastructure has not been introduced.

These consumers can continue using their LPG cylinders under the existing system without worrying about the new deadlines.

LPG Cylinders Will Continue Where PNG Is Unavailable

The government has clarified that LPG cylinders are not being discontinued. They will remain the primary cooking fuel for households in areas without PNG connectivity.

The new policy is focused on expanding the use of cleaner and more convenient piped natural gas in cities where the required infrastructure already exists, while ensuring that LPG services continue uninterrupted in regions where PNG has not yet reached.

Consumers are advised to check with their local gas distributor to understand whether the new rules apply in their area and to avoid any disruption in gas services.