New Delhi — The Central government has directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted supply of piped natural gas for household kitchens, along with LPG and CNG, amid disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The order, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, prioritises the supply of gas for domestic use and essential services following disruptions in liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the directive, the government has assessed that the conflict has affected LNG shipments in the region, with some suppliers invoking force majeure clauses that could result in diversion of natural gas supplies to priority sectors.
Under the order, domestic piped natural gas (PNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) used in transport and LPG production have been categorised as top priority sectors. These segments will receive up to 100 per cent of their average gas consumption over the past six months, subject to operational availability.
The government has also instructed refineries and petrochemical companies to maximise production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and divert key hydrocarbon streams to strengthen the LPG supply pool.
Natural gas supply to fertiliser plants has been placed under the second priority category. These units will receive up to 70 per cent of their average gas consumption over the previous six months, depending on operational availability.
The order further states that fertiliser plants must use the allocated gas strictly for fertiliser production and not divert it for any other purpose. A compliance certificate confirming this will need to be submitted to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell through the Ministry of Fertilisers.
Gas marketing companies have also been directed to maintain supplies for certain industries, including tea processing units and other manufacturing sectors. These industries will receive up to 80 per cent of their average gas consumption over the past six months through the national gas grid, subject to operational availability.
Additionally, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies have been instructed to ensure that industrial and commercial consumers connected to their networks continue to receive at least 80 per cent of their usual gas supply, depending on availability.
The government’s move aims to safeguard critical domestic and industrial needs and prevent disruptions in cooking fuel and transport energy supplies during the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
With inputs from IANS