Chandigarh:Residential societies and households in Chandigarh face a three-month deadline to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) or risk losing their bottled gas supply under a sweeping new energy mandate.The Chandigarh administration has directed all departments to enforce the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, a federal decree designed to fast-track the phase-out of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in favor of piped infrastructure.The new framework, notified under the Essential Commodities Act, grants the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and its partners broad powers to laid pipelines across both public and private land. To prevent bureaucratic delays, the order establishes a “deemed approval” mechanism: if authorities do not process infrastructure requests within 10 to 60 days, permission is automatically granted.In a move to accelerate urban adoption, the order mandates that residential societies grant access within three days, while household connection approvals must be finalized within 48 hours. This aggressive timeline aims to minimize the logistical hurdles that have previously slowed the city’s transition to cleaner fuel.The most significant provision allows for the discontinuation of LPG supplies in areas where PNG infrastructure is fully operational. Residents who do not opt for a piped connection within 90 days of it becoming available may find their cylinder deliveries cut off, provided the connection is technically feasible for their dwelling.To ensure transparency, the order prohibits local authorities from imposing arbitrary charges on energy providers. In instances where private landowners refuse to allow pipeline passage, the District Magistrate is now empowered to make a final, binding decision following a summary review.The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) will serve as the national watchdog for the rollout. While the order puts pressure on consumers, it also holds providers accountable; authorized entities like the IOCL face penalties or the withdrawal of their licenses if they fail to meet construction and safety milestones.Administration officials emphasized that the switch offers significant consumer benefits, noting that piped gas is generally lower-risk, more cost-effective, and provides a more reliable, uninterrupted fuel supply compared to traditional cylinders. MSID:: 129850643 413 |
