New Delhi: With cooking gas cylinders facing shortages in several states, the Union government has said that 6,000 consumers have switched to piped natural gas (PNG) and surrendered their LPG cylinders.
The disruption has been linked to the West Asia conflict, which has affected the LPG supply chain. In response, the Centre recently issued an order under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to manage availability.
As per the directive, consumers living in areas where PNG is available were asked to shift to the piped connection within three months. The order also stated that LPG connections could be cancelled for those who refuse to switch.
The government has also accelerated work to expand PNG facilities in areas where the service is not yet available. Following the order, many consumers who obtained PNG connections have begun returning their LPG cylinders to distribution companies.
Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said 6,000 people have so far moved to PNG and surrendered their cylinders, adding that those who can switch should do so to help consumers who currently lack access to LPG cylinders.
