Kamal Ghorui
The Delhi government has introduced new conditions for the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, making eligibility contingent on steps taken towards adopting piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where the network is available. The changes were notified through an order issued by the Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, which amends a provision of the policy on commercial LPG distribution announced earlier.As per the revised framework, commercial and industrial users will now receive LPG supplies only if they are registered with the concerned oil marketing company (OMC) and have applied for a PNG connection wherever such infrastructure exists. In areas yet to be connected, consumers must submit a formal declaration indicating their intent to shift to PNG once it becomes available.
To enforce compliance, OMCs have been tasked with verifying consumer records. They are required to collect documentation at least once to confirm registration status and ensure that the consumer has either applied for PNG or expressed intent to do so. Details of such consumers will also be shared with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for further processing.“When supplying to commercial gas consumers, the OMCs shall at least once collect documentation records to ensure that the consumer is registered with the OMC and has either applied for a PNG connection or has submitted an application indicating the intent to obtain a PNG connection upon its availability,” the order stated.The order, however, leaves room for operational flexibility. Businesses that require both LPG and PNG can approach the additional commissioner of the department with a request explaining their needs. These applications may also be collected by OMCs and forwarded for consideration, with decisions to be taken in consultation with the three OMCs.“The OMCs could also collect such applications and submit to the Additional Commissioner for a prompt decision. The Additional Commissioner shall promptly dispose of the same in consultation with the three Oil Marketing Companies,” the order stated.The revised norms come in the backdrop of the government’s recent measures aimed at easing pressure on LPG supplies. Speaking earlier, additional commissioner Arun Kumar Jha had said that Delhi has around 56 lakh domestic LPG connections and urged residents to ensure their connections are registered correctly to prevent misuse and diversion.He had also emphasised the expansion of PNG infrastructure, stating, “Wherever PNG connections are available, residents should shift from LPG to PNG,” and noted that the pipeline network has reached “every village”.The department has also set up a control room to monitor developments and gather complaints and inputs. Residents were previously asked to report suspicious activities through helpline numbers 011-23379836 and 8383824659 between 9 am and 7 pm, with assurances of prompt action on verified complaints.
