Hello Mumbai City Desk 

​In a move to streamline urban energy distribution, the Maharashtra state government has issued a firm directive to residents living in areas with existing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure. Citizens who have access to PNG but have not yet opted for the service risk losing their Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder connections within the next three months.
​Minister Issues Warning
​Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal addressed the mandate on Monday, emphasizing that the transition is mandatory for those in serviced municipalities.
​”If residents apply for the connection but the installation work is not yet complete, they will continue to receive their LPG supply,” Bhujbal clarified. “However, if they do not apply at all, they stand to lose their LPG connections in three months.”
​Clarification on Rural Areas
​The Minister was careful to note that this policy is strictly for urban centers where the infrastructure is already operational. The directive does not apply to:
​Rural areas.Locations where PNG facilities are not yet available.
​Call Against Hoarding
​Addressing concerns regarding fuel security, Bhujbal assured the public that India maintains a sufficient stock of fuel. He urged citizens not to engage in “panic hoarding” of cylinders. Furthermore, the Minister announced that the government would allow people to lift up to three months’ worth of rations at a single time to ease logistical burdens for consumers.
​Key Takeaways for Residents:

LPG Dealers Push Shift to PNG: Mandatory Piped Gas Applications Begin

​ In a significant move to push for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) adoption, a section of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealers in Mumbai have begun requesting proof of PNG applications before supplying commercial gas cylinders.
​Industry sources confirmed on Monday that several distributors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and parts of Maharashtra are now asking commercial establishments—such as hotels and eateries—to show a copy of their piped natural gas application or registration before handing over 19kg LPG cylinders.
​A Strategic Shift
​The move, described as a temporary arrangement, is aimed at shifting commercial establishments to PNG wherever pipeline connectivity is feasible. Once a piped connection is provided at a hotel premise, the establishment will no longer be eligible for the supply of commercial blue cylinders.
​AHAR President Vijay Shetty confirmed that delivery staff from some gas agencies are indeed insisting on proof of PNG applications in select areas.
​”It is only upon showing the copy of the application that 19kg cylinders are being handed over to the hoteliers in some areas,” he noted.
​Phasing Out Cylinders
​Authorities are aiming for a streamlined transition to ensure that areas with existing gas infrastructure move away from heavy cylinder reliance. This directive is part of a broader push to make urban centers “cylinder-free” by prioritizing safer and more efficient piped delivery systems.
​An official from Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) stated that applications are being processed as per the technical feasibility of the area. Establishments that do not comply or apply for the shift within the stipulated timeframe may face a disruption in their regular LPG supply.
​Key Takeaways for Commercial Users:
​Proof Required: Commercial users in PNG-ready zones must show proof of application for piped gas.
​Target: Primarily focuses on hotels, restaurants, and eateries.
​Goal: To reduce logistics of cylinder delivery and promote safer PNG infrastructure in the MMR.