PNG for All: New Policy Speeds Up Piped Gas to Indian Homes

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified a new order to establish a streamlined and time-bound framework for the development and expansion of pipeline infrastructure across India.

Issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, aims to simplify approval processes, ease land access, and accelerate the rollout of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. The order, published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, comes into immediate effect.

It introduces standardised procedures and defined timelines for laying, building, operating, and expanding pipelines, thereby reducing administrative delays and ambiguity. The framework is designed to be transparent and investor-friendly, facilitating faster project execution and improved coordination.

The policy is expected to boost the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks, enhance last-mile connectivity, and promote the use of cleaner fuels across households, transportation, and industrial sectors. It also supports India’s broader transition towards a gas-based economy while strengthening energy security and encouraging private and public investment in the sector.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.