India, March 24 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 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 provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas.
Published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, the Order comes into immediate effect and establishes a comprehensive, transparent, and investor-friendly framework for efficient gas distribution, rapid infrastructure expansion, and equitable access to cleaner energy.
The Order aims to facilitate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks, improve last-mile connectivity, and promote a shift towards cleaner fuels for cooking, transport and industrial purposes, thereby strengthening energy security and supporting India's transition to a gas-based economy.
Policy Rationale
India's growing energy demand and evolving global energy landscape necessitate a resilient, diversified, and efficient energy system. This Order addresses longstanding challenges in infrastructure development, regulatory uncertainty, and delays in approvals, while positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel.
At its core, the reform is designed to significantly improve ease of doing business by simplifying procedures, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and creating a predictable and transparent operating environment for stakeholders.
Key Features of the Reform
Expected Impact
Government's Commitment
The Government remains committed to expanding the role of natural gas in India's energy mix and fostering a policy environment that promotes investment, innovation, and sustainability.
This Order marks an important step towards building a gas-based economy, supported by efficient infrastructure, ease of doing business, and wider access to clean energy.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
