India Sees Increased PNG Connections and Stabilized Fuel Supplies

India Gas Supply Update: Refineries at Full Capacity, LPG and PNG Distribution Remains Stable​

New Delhi, March 24: The government on Tuesday confirmed that all gas refineries across India are operating at full capacity, with 18,700 tonnes of commercial LPG lifted as of Monday, underscoring stable fuel availability amid ongoing geopolitical concerns.

Refineries Running at Peak Capacity, Fuel Stocks Adequate​

During an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that all refineries are functioning at full capacity, ensuring uninterrupted supply. She emphasized that the country currently holds adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, with no reported disruptions.

India has over one lakh petrol pumps, most of which are operating normally with sufficient fuel availability, further reinforcing supply stability across regions.

PNG Expansion Gains Momentum with New Directive​

In a push to expand cleaner fuel access, the government continues to promote Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections nationwide.

Sharma highlighted that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has issued a directive mandating City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies to provide PNG connections within five days, wherever infrastructure is available. The order prioritizes institutions such as:

• Residential schools
• Colleges
• Anganwadi kitchens
• Other public facilities

As part of this expansion, 7,500 domestic and commercial PNG connections were provided on Monday alone across the top 110 geographical areas.

Strong LPG and LNG Supply Position​

The government reiterated that LPG supplies remain secure, with continuous monitoring in place due to the prevailing global situation. Efforts are underway to diversify supply sources to ensure long-term stability.

• More than 3.5 lakh PNG connections for cooking have been issued in the first three weeks of March
• Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries are continuing without disruption
• Panic bookings have declined significantly

Sharma also confirmed that no LPG dry-outs have been reported at distributorships, and no fuel shortages have been flagged by Oil Marketing Companies at retail outlets.

Additionally, the country maintains sufficient LNG stocks, further supporting the overall energy supply framework.

Priority Supply Maintained Across Key Sectors​

The government continues to prioritize essential consumption:

• 100 percent supply maintained for domestic PNG users and CNG transport sector
• Industrial and commercial consumers receiving around 80 percent of supply

Advisory Against Panic Buying​

Authorities have urged citizens to avoid panic buying, reiterating that fuel supplies, including LPG, petrol, and diesel, are adequate and stable across the country. State governments have also been advised to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure smooth distribution.