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Govt pushes PNG shift as LPG demand spikes amid supply stress India is pushing consumers to shift from LPG to piped natural gas as global supply disruptions strain availability. With over 150 million PNG users and millions more eligible, the government is accelerating connections while activating coal and kerosene as backup fuels to ease pressure on LPG demand.

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New Delhi: The government on Friday said the domestic LPG situation remains “worrisome” despite normal supply, urging consumers to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) wherever possible and calling on states to tighten monitoring to prevent panic-driven demand.At the daily briefing, petroleum secretary Sujata Sharma said more than 13,700 PNG connections have been released to ease pressure on LPG usage. She added that online bookings have risen to 93%, while around 55 lakh refill requests were received on Thursday. Officials noted a decline in panic bookings, even as demand remains elevated. "There has been a reduction in panic booking, and 11,300 tonnes of commercial LPG has been supplied to consumers in the last one week," she added.While reiterating that LPG supply is normal, the government termed the situation a “matter of concern” due to demand spikes. Educational institutions and hospitals are receiving around 50% of total commercial LPG allocation to ensure uninterrupted essential services."Around 7500 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG. The situation is still worrying due to the war, but no dry out has been reported at our distributors. Delivery is being done through authentication code. There is a significant reduction in panic booking and yesterday we received about 55 lakh refill booking requests. Delivery of LPG cylinders is normal. About 18 states and union territories have issued allocation orders for commercial LPG and in the last one week, about 11300 tons of commercial LPG have been given to consumers, and all the supplies are available with all the states," she added.The Centre urged state governments to strengthen monitoring and enforcement systems to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth distribution.Providing an update on supply logistics, Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said there were no maritime incidents in the last 24 hours, with all 22 Indian vessels and seafarers safe. He added that there is no congestion at any port, indicating stable supply chains.Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated Oman’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indian nationals.In a separate outreach, the Prime Minister also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing regional developments and security concerns in West Asia, the MEA said.India also expressed solidarity with Qatar, reaffirming its support amid rising tensions in the region, according to the MEA.The government said it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, particularly their potential impact on energy supplies, while continuing to advise citizens against panic buying.MEA in the briefing said, "late yesterday night, we received information regarding the tragic demise of an Indian national during an attack in Riyadh on 18th March."The flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region. Since February 28 around 300,000 passengers have returned from the region to India, from UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations, today again around 90 flights are expected to operate from various airports in UAE to India.“Flight situation continues to improve. Qatar Airways is expected to operate 10 non-scheduled flights to India today,” says MEA's Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan.