The Centre on Saturday, 2 May 2026 reported that 5.96 lakh Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections have been gasified across the country, with infrastructure readied for an additional 2.68 lakh connections, bringing the cumulative total to 8.64 lakh connections. The Petroleum Ministry shared the update as part of a broader briefing on the nation's energy supply situation.

PNG Rollout and LPG Surrenders

According to the ministry, approximately 6.66 lakh customers have already registered for new PNG connections. As of 1 May 2026, more than 43,350 PNG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections, signalling a steady shift toward piped gas in urban and peri-urban households. This transition is consistent with the government's long-term goal of expanding city gas distribution networks nationwide.

5-Kg FTL Cylinder Push

Since April 2026, more than 22.78 lakh 5-Kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders have been sold. Public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) have organised more than 9,980 awareness camps for the 5-Kg FTL cylinders since 3 April 2026, during which over 1,71,000 cylinders were sold directly, the ministry stated.

Commercial LPG and Auto LPG Sales

The ministry noted that since April 2026, a total of 2,05,849 metric tonnes (MT) of Commercial LPG — equivalent to more than 108.34 lakh 19-Kg LPG cylinders — has been sold. In the same period, 10,698 MT of Auto LPG has been sold by PSU OMCs, reflecting sustained demand across the transport and commercial segments.

Fertiliser Plants, Refineries and Petrochemicals

Gas allocation to fertiliser plants has been enhanced to approximately 98% of their six-month average consumption, bolstering agricultural input supply chains. All refineries are reportedly operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and domestic LPG production from refineries has been ramped up to support household consumption. An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted to secure petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Since 9 April 2026, more than 10,000 MT of propylene and over 1,200 MT of Butyl Acrylate have been sold by refineries at Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai, Mathura and Gujarat to the chemical, pharma, and paint industries.

Fuel Availability and Panic Buying Concerns

The government confirmed that all retail fuel outlets are operating normally nationwide. Addressing concerns over supply disruptions, the ministry stated: "Panic buying is observed at certain retail outlets due to rumours. It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for petrol and diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs retail outlets." Officials urged citizens not to hoard fuel, emphasising that supply chains remain intact. With PNG infrastructure expanding and fuel stocks stable, the Centre's focus appears firmly on energy security and demand management in the near term.