New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) The expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is gaining significant traction, with 3.42 lakh new connections gasified and 3.7 lakh additional registrations recorded since March 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday.

The ministry has advised states to streamline the process for new PNG connections for both residential and commercial users.

The government is committed to ensuring the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Citizens are encouraged to refrain from panic buying of fuels and unnecessary bookings of LPG. It is recommended to utilize digital platforms for LPG cylinder bookings, minimizing visits to distributors unless absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, the statement encourages households to explore alternative fuels such as PNG, induction stoves, and electric cooktops wherever practical. In light of current circumstances, all citizens are urged to take necessary actions to conserve energy in their daily routines.

Individuals are also cautioned to be wary of rumors and to rely solely on official channels for accurate information.

The government has prioritized the supply of domestic LPG and PNG, particularly for hospitals and educational institutions, amid disruptions arising from the Iran conflict.

Multiple rationalization measures have already been implemented to manage both supply and demand effectively. These measures include enhancing refinery output, extending the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural regions, along with prioritizing certain sectors for fuel supply.

Alternative fuel sources such as kerosene and coal have been proposed to alleviate the demand for LPG. The Ministry of Coal has instructed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allocate increased coal quantities to states for distribution to small, medium, and other consumers.

The Secretary indicated that states might consider targeted distribution of 5 kg LPG cylinders based on local demand, in collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Sales of these 5 kg cylinders have surpassed 5 lakh since March 23, with over 67,000 sold just on Thursday.

The Petroleum Secretary convened a meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Food & Civil Supplies from all states and UTs to assess the fuel supply situation and underscored actions taken to ensure adequate availability. States were directed to prioritize the distribution of LPG, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining stringent oversight to combat hoarding, diversion, and misinformation.

In response to concerns regarding LPG supplies for migrant workers, states clarified that there are no disruptions affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable.