PNGRB Launches Consultation on Interoperable LPG Delivery Framework for 32 Crore Consumers
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
On 29 September 2025, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) initiated a public consultation on a proposed LPG Interoperable Service Delivery Framework, aimed at addressing chronic delivery delays for India’s 32+ crore LPG consumers. A high-level expert committee noted that over 1.7 million LPG complaints are filed annually, nearly half relating to late delivery. The new framework proposes a cross-PSU service mechanism, under which the nearest distributor — regardless of whether from IOCL, BPCL, or HPCL — would fulfill orders if the primary distributor fails within 24 hours, reducing the current 48-hour norm.
Key features include: a 24-hour delivery guarantee, automatic supplier of last resort activation, seamless consumer experience through removal of company boundaries, and a universal service obligation binding all PSU OMCs. PNGRB will begin with pilot projects in select urban and rural areas before scaling nationally.
This marks a major shift from siloed distribution to integrated consumer service in India’s LPG sector. It aligns with India’s near-universal LPG coverage under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and can set precedents for interoperable public service models in other sectors (e.g. telecom, electricity). Effective implementation could enhance consumer trust, improve accountability of OMCs, and reduce systemic inefficiencies.
What is PNGRB? → The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board is India’s statutory regulator for downstream petroleum and natural gas, overseeing pipelines, city gas distribution, and now consumer service frameworks for LPG.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What safeguards and digital systems are needed to make LPG interoperability work at scale, ensuring fairness across OMCs while protecting consumer choice and accountability?
Follow the full news here: https://pngrb.gov.in/pdf/press-note/20250929_PR.pdf