New Delhi, March 10: The Central government on Tuesday issued fresh directives under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) to ensure uninterrupted supply of piped natural gas for household kitchens, LPG for domestic use, and CNG for transport, amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to the government order, the conflict has disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route. In some cases, suppliers have invoked force majeure clauses, leading to diversion of gas supplies and raising concerns over domestic availability. To manage the situation and safeguard essential sectors, the Centre has put in place priority allocation guidelines.
Under the order, the highest priority (Priority Sector 1) will be given to domestic piped natural gas (PNG) supply, compressed natural gas (CNG) used in transport, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production. These sectors will receive up to 100 per cent of their average gas consumption over the past six months, subject to operational availability. Gas supply for essential pipeline operations, including compressor fuel requirements, has also been included in this category.
The government has also directed refineries and petrochemical units to maximise LPG production and divert key hydrocarbon streams to strengthen the LPG supply pool.
Fertiliser plants, listed under Priority Sector 2, will be assured up to 70 per cent of their average gas consumption over the past six months, depending on availability. The order specifies that gas supplied to these plants must be used strictly for fertiliser production. Units will be required to submit certification to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) through the Ministry of Fertiliser confirming compliance.
Additionally, gas marketing entities have been instructed to maintain supply to tea industries, manufacturing units and other industrial consumers at 80 per cent of their average consumption over the past six months through the national gas grid. City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies must also ensure similar supply levels for industrial and commercial consumers connected to their networks.
