Centre fast-tracks gas pipelines as war rages

THE CENTRE ON Tuesday issued an order under the Essential Commodities Act for a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country and enables faster development of natural gas infrastructure.

- SAURAV ANAND

The order comes at a time when the country faces a shortage of LPG amid the raging war in West Asia.

The ministry, notifying the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, said the move addresses delays in approvals and access to land, while enabling faster rollout of gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. The order seeks to remove structural bottlenecks that have slowed pipeline expansion. It noted that impediments include “approvals from various authorities, imposition of very high fee and charges and at times denial of access to land or residential areas,” including by resident welfare associations.

The notification underlined the need to strengthen energy supply resilience.