NewsIndia

The Indian government is enforcing stricter LPG booking rules. This move comes as the price of a 14.2Kg domestic gas cylinder has increased by Rs 60 due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The situation has prompted authorities to push households toward switching to piped natural gas (PNG).

In April alone, the price of a 19Kg commercial cylinder rose by Rs 196, marking three increases within a month. To manage these changes, the interval for LPG bookings has been extended from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural regions.

Officials have indicated that an OTP-based delivery authentication system will likely become permanent for LPG deliveries. Additionally, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication is now mandatory for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana who have not completed it.

Households with existing PNG connections cannot surrender their domestic LPG links. If they do not switch to PNG within three months, their LPG supply will cease. This policy aims to streamline energy use amid rising costs.

Since March 2026, approximately 5.45 lakh PNG connections have been established across India. Authorities plan to expand this infrastructure further, targeting an additional 2.62 lakh connections.

Currently, around 98% of LPG bookings are made online. Moreover, about 94% of deliveries utilize a Delivery Authentication Code system. These statistics reflect a significant shift towards digital processes in energy management.

Further revisions in LPG prices are anticipated from May 1, 2026. Observers expect that these changes will continue to impact consumer behavior regarding gas cylinders and energy sources.