New Delhi is accelerating the development of natural gas infrastructure as the Middle East conflict triggers a domestic crisis
The Indian government has ordered that gas pipeline projects be sped up, amid a shortage of cooking gas triggered by the Middle East conflict.
The government invoked special legislation on Tuesday – the Essential Commodities Act – to mitigate delays and obstacles for setting up and expanding the natural gas infrastructure across the country.
The move comes as India moves to diversify its fuel sources amid disruptions in global energy markets triggered by the Middle East tensions.
The US-Israeli war against Iran has virtually halted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Around 40% of India’s crude oil imports and 55% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through the straight, which is controlled by Iran.
With guidance of @PMOIndia and @HardeepSPuri the Natural Gas infrastructure - PNG and CNG gets major ease of doing business reforms - witness rapid expansion of CGD network across the country - a crisis turned into an opportunity @gailindia @PNGRB_ pic.twitter.com/btcnKrDt6j
— Neeraj Mittal IAS (@neerajmittalias) March 24, 2026
Supply disruptions of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas are expected to persist for a long time, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in the order. India imports 85% of its oil and nearly half of its natural gas.
According to the document, the move aims to address delays in approvals and access to land. The order also envisages a framework to remove obstacles, including approval delays and high charges, speeding up pipeline construction, and expanding the use of piped natural gas. It also caps fees charged on pipeline companies for granting access and sets easier rules for land access and compensation.
The ministry said the order takes effect immediately, and aims to accelerate city gas distribution infrastructure and a gradual shift from LPG to piped natural gas.
