New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new order to strengthen natural gas distribution infrastructure across India amid ongoing disruptions in global energy supplies linked to tensions in West Asia. The move seeks to accelerate the development of pipeline networks and ensure wider access to cleaner fuel sources.
The ministry has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act 1955. The order establishes a streamlined and time bound framework for laying, building and expanding gas pipelines across the country while addressing longstanding issues related to project approvals and land access.
Officials said the new framework is intended to support the expansion of piped natural gas networks and improve last mile connectivity. It is also expected to promote the adoption of cleaner fuels for domestic cooking, transport and industrial use while strengthening the country’s energy security.
The order, published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, has come into immediate effect. It introduces a transparent and investor friendly system designed to facilitate faster infrastructure development and more efficient gas distribution across regions.
Under the provisions of the order, a uniform regulatory framework will guide the laying and operation of pipelines, with time bound approval mechanisms and deemed approval provisions aimed at eliminating procedural delays. The policy also seeks to harmonise permissions across different jurisdictions to reduce administrative fragmentation.
Another key feature is the push for quicker provision of piped natural gas connections in areas where pipeline infrastructure already exists. This is expected to improve service delivery standards and gradually encourage a shift from liquefied petroleum gas to piped natural gas where feasible.
The development comes at a time when shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected global energy supplies. A significant portion of India’s liquefied petroleum gas imports passes through this route, making diversification of energy infrastructure and expansion of domestic gas distribution increasingly important for long term stability.
