Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 25: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Tuesday notified a new order aimed at streamlining and accelerating the laying and expansion of gas pipelines across the country, amid concerns over supply disruptions due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
According to an official release, the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, the order has come into immediate effect.
The new framework seeks to address long-standing challenges such as delays in approvals, land access issues, and regulatory bottlenecks, while enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It establishes a transparent, investor-friendly system to ensure efficient gas distribution and equitable access to cleaner energy.
The order focuses on expanding piped natural gas (PNG) networks, improving last-mile connectivity, and encouraging a shift towards cleaner fuels for cooking, transport and industrial use. It also aims to strengthen India’s energy security and support the transition towards a gas-based economy.
Officials said the policy introduces standardised processes and timelines, reducing ambiguity and administrative discretion. It mandates time-bound approvals with deemed clearance provisions, alongside a single harmonised framework across jurisdictions to minimise fragmentation in permissions.
The government has also removed arbitrary levies and charges to ensure transparency and cost predictability. Defined compensation and restoration mechanisms, including “dig and restore” and “dig and pay” models, have been introduced to prevent disputes with local authorities.
The order facilitates seamless access for authorised entities to lay and expand pipelines, ensuring faster rollout of City Gas Distribution networks and trunk pipelines. It also simplifies compliance requirements and provides clarity in handling operational issues such as disruptions and access constraints.
To ensure accountability, safeguards like bank guarantees have been incorporated without imposing excessive financial burden. The framework also mandates time-bound provision of PNG connections, enhancing service delivery standards.
In areas where pipeline infrastructure exists, the policy encourages a gradual shift from LPG to PNG, while allowing flexibility in regions where such connectivity is not feasible. It also seeks to prevent unreasonable denial of access for pipeline development by local bodies or private entities, with a provision for transparent dispute resolution through designated authorities.
The ministry noted that the initiative will strengthen and diversify the gas distribution network, reduce dependence on single fuel sources, and boost investor confidence through regulatory certainty. Increased adoption of natural gas is expected to improve air quality, lower emissions, and support industrial and commercial growth.
The move comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile, with trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz affected due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, raising concerns over Liquefied Natural Gas supplies.
The government reiterated its commitment to expanding the role of natural gas in India’s energy mix and fostering a policy environment that promotes investment, innovation and sustainability. The order is seen as a significant step towards building a robust gas-based economy backed by efficient infrastructure and wider access to clean energy.