Gurgaon: A screenshot of an email from Haryana City Gas Distribution Limited (HCG), the company that supplies piped natural gas (PNG) in the city, circulated on social media on Saturday, triggering speculation that domestic gas supply in Gurgaon could be affected.However, HCG clarified that the communication, dated March 9, was intended for industrial and commercial consumers and not for households or residential societies. Speaking to TOI on Saturday, HCG CEO Rahul Chopra said, “The communication was sent to industrial consumers as a precautionary measure. There is no issue with domestic PNG or CNG supply. Domestic households and CNG are the top priority segments as per the govt’s gas allocation policy”. Chopra said the message referred to the possibility of invoking “force majeure” in gas supply agreements due to uncertainties in natural gas availability — a contractual clause that allows parties to suspend or delay obligations because of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.The email mentioned that an “ongoing crisis in the Middle East” could impact natural gas availability from upstream suppliers. It said provisions of the “force majeure” clause in gas supply agreements could become applicable, which may result in curtailment of gas supply depending on restrictions in inflows from suppliers.The communication also noted that the company is in constant touch with upstream partners and is monitoring the situation, adding that ensuring continuity of supply and minimising disruption remains its priority.HCG reiterated that domestic PNG supply and CNG would continue without disruption, and that any adjustments, if required, would primarily affect industrial consumers in line with the government’s gas allocation priorities.
