The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new order to streamline and accelerate the laying and expansion of gas pipelines across India following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that affected energy supplies.
The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, provides a clear, time-bound framework to address delays in approvals and land access, enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas.
Published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, the order takes immediate effect and introduces a transparent, investor-friendly system for efficient gas distribution, rapid infrastructure expansion, and equitable access to cleaner energy.
The reform is aimed at expanding piped natural gas (PNG) networks, improving last-mile connectivity, and promoting a shift toward cleaner fuels for cooking, transport, and industrial use. Officials said the measure will strengthen India’s energy security and accelerate the country’s transition to a gas-based economy.
“India’s growing energy demand and the evolving global energy landscape require a resilient, diversified, and efficient energy system. This order addresses longstanding infrastructure and regulatory challenges while positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel,” the government said.
The framework standardizes processes and timelines, reduces administrative ambiguity, and simplifies regulatory procedures to improve ease of doing business. With nearly 90% of India’s LPG imports impacted by the Hormuz Strait closure, the order aims to ensure faster rollout of city gas distribution networks and trunk pipelines while supporting last-mile connectivity and rapid scaling of piped natural gas services.
