The government has directed administrative authorities to expedite approvals for city gas projects and to increase commercial allocations of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to mitigate supply stress. The move is intended to streamline gas distribution networks across urban centres and to ensure continuity of supply to industrial and commercial consumers amid a strained global energy situation. Officials indicated that the steps form part of a broader approach to bolster supply resilience and to promote cleaner fuel usage in cities.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has instructed its regional offices to dispose of City Gas Distribution (CGD) applications within 10 days to accelerate the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG). The directive is aimed at shortening administrative timelines and reducing procedural bottlenecks that have slowed network expansion in several areas. Authorities have also advised that commercial LPG consumers in major cities and urban localities should transition to PNG where infrastructure permits.

Increasing allocations of LPG for commercial use has been combined with the shift to PNG to manage immediate supply pressures and to prioritise sectors that depend on cylinder supplies. Policy makers outlined that freeing up bottled LPG by encouraging substitution in commercial establishments will help safeguard household supplies, while supporting industry and transport where alternatives are not yet viable. The steps are being framed as temporary adjustments calibrated to evolving supply conditions and logistical constraints.

The government has called on developers, pipeline operators and municipal agencies to coordinate closely with regulators to expedite connection works and safety clearances. Officials emphasised that accelerated approvals should not compromise safety standards and that training and compliance checks will continue alongside speedier processing. Stakeholders were urged to expedite meter installations and consumer outreach to facilitate the transition, and the administration indicated that monitoring mechanisms will be used to review allocations and to adapt measures as conditions change.