MoPNG notifies Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (through laying, building, operation and expansion of pipelines and other facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The order puts forth a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country. It is expected to address delays in approvals and access to land, and enable faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It also establishes a comprehensive, transparent and investor-friendly framework and is designed to improve ease of doing business. Moreover, it is targeted to expand piped natural gas (PNG) networks, improve last-mile connectivity and promote a shift towards cleaner fuels for cooking, transport and industrial purposes. Key features include a transparent and predictable regulatory framework, boosting the ease of doing business, accelerating the development of pipeline infrastructure, enhancing operational flexibility and certainty, enabling a consumer-centric service delivery and safeguarding public interest.