The Government of India, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and put it into immediate effect. The order establishes a streamlined, time-bound framework for laying, building, operating and expanding pipeline infrastructure and seeks to address delays in approvals and access to land that have hindered investment. It presents a comprehensive, transparent and investor-friendly regime to accelerate development of gas distribution networks across jurisdictions.

The order is expected to facilitate expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks and improve last-mile connectivity to households, transport and industrial users. It envisages faster rollout of city gas distribution (CGD) systems and trunk pipelines and aims to provide seamless access for authorised entities to lay and expand lines. Consumer-centric measures include time-bound provision of PNG connections and flexibility where physical connectivity is not technically feasible.

The reform introduces standardised processes, timelines and charges to reduce ambiguity and arbitrariness in approvals, and it prescribes defined compensation and restoration mechanisms such as dig-and-restore or dig-and-pay to minimise disputes with local authorities. Time-bound approvals with deemed clearance provisions will shorten procedural delays and reduce compliance burden through simplified documentation. Operational safeguards, including calibrated bank guarantee requirements, are designed to ensure accountability while avoiding excessive financial burden on developers.

The government says the measure will strengthen energy security and diversify the fuel mix, supporting a transition to a cleaner gas-based economy. Improved regulatory certainty and faster approvals are expected to boost investor confidence and catalyse infrastructure investment in urban and semi-urban areas. Wider adoption of natural gas for cooking, transport and industry is anticipated to contribute to better air quality and lower emissions while supporting economic growth.