Govt issues new guidelines for gas supply

The government has issued new directives aimed at making gas supply services more customer-friendly and streamlined amid rising demand for natural gas in the country.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a circular, outlining the revised instructions on Tuesday (April 21).

The circular states that in view of the growing demand for gas and emerging challenges, all related services must be simplified and aligned with international best practices to ensure consumer convenience.

Key directives include:

(a) For rearrangement or replacement of gas appliances without changing the approved hourly load, commissioning work must be carried out by contractors enlisted with the respective gas distribution company. In such cases, prior approval from the gas distribution company will not be required.

(b) Unused gas load from another industrial unit within the same premises and under the same ownership may be transferred subject to approval from the managing director or regional head of the gas distribution company.

(c) Gas load assigned under the captive power category within the same premises may be transferred to the industrial category if necessary. However, industrial load cannot be transferred to the captive power category under any circumstances.

(d) In the case of meter installation, the relevant gas distribution and marketing companies must complete installation and conduct post-installation quality verification within seven days.

Officials said the new measures are intended to improve efficiency, reduce procedural delays, and ensure smoother gas service delivery for consumers and industries.