Amid a deepening LPG shortage due to the ongoing war in West Asia, the Centre has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026.
The order aims to fast-track pipeline infrastructure across the country.
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LPG shortage: Modi government takes big step amid cooking gas crisis, notifies new pipeline rules to boost...
Amid an LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia, the Centre has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
By Abhijeet Sen | Updated: March 24, 2026 6:04 PM IST
The order has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955
The Modi government order establishes a new framework for gas and petroleum product pipeline development.
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Entities authorised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) or the government can lay, operate and expand pipelines.
These pipelines can pass through public, private and residential areas.
All public entities including central and state governments and local bodies must grant permissions within specified timelines.
If approvals are not given within the timeline, they will be deemed to have been automatically granted.
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The timelines range from 10 days for smaller city gas distribution networks
Large transmission pipelines can take up to 60 working days for approvals.
Housing societies, RWAs and other residential access controllers must grant right of way within three working days of application.
If delayed or denied, LPG supply to those households may be discontinued after three months.
If households fail to apply for a PNG connection after being notified by the authorised entity.
LPG supply to that address can be stopped after three months unless piped gas is technically infeasible.
The order standardises charges for right of way, road restoration and land use and bars extra levies by public entities.
District authorities can grant right of way in private land disputes with compensation linked to the circle rate.