**You Can Soon Switch Your LPG Supplier in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:48 PM*
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has proposed a new LPG Interoperability Framework that will enable consumers to switch their LPG suppliers, much like mobile number portability. This initiative aims to address longstanding consumer grievances and frequent supply disruptions.
### Current Scenario
At present, consumers can only change their LPG dealer within the same oil company and are not allowed to switch between different companies. This limitation often restricts consumer choice and sometimes leads to dissatisfaction.
### Consumer Feedback and Participation
The PNGRB has invited comments from stakeholders and consumers on the proposed LPG Interoperability Framework. The regulator recognizes that operational challenges faced by local distributors often leave consumers with limited alternatives. In its notice inviting feedback, PNGRB emphasized, “There may be other reasons, too, and the consumer needs to have the freedom of choice on the LPG company/dealer.”
### Historical Context
The concept of LPG connection portability is not new. In 2013, the UPA government launched a pilot project for LPG portability across 24 districts in 13 states. This pilot was expanded nationwide in January 2014 to cover 480 districts. However, unlike mobile services, consumers were still restricted to switching only among dealers within the same oil company, not between different companies.
### Addressing Service Disruptions
PNGRB has stressed the importance of a continuity-centric approach to protect consumers from service failures and ensure uninterrupted LPG access. Recent reports have highlighted supply disruptions and prolonged delays in LPG refill deliveries that have impacted both households and commercial establishments, particularly in areas where local distributors face suspensions or operational challenges.
### Towards a Better Future
India has achieved near-universal LPG household coverage, with over 32 crore connections as of FY25. Nevertheless, the PNGRB continues to receive more than 17 lakh consumer grievances annually related to LPG supplies.
To tackle this, the regulator is seeking input from consumers, distributors, and civil society organizations on measures to guarantee timely access to LPG refills. After reviewing comments received by mid-October, PNGRB will finalize the rules for LPG portability and announce a rollout date.
This move promises to empower consumers with greater freedom of choice and improve service quality in the LPG sector. Stay tuned for more updates on this important development.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/lpg-supplier-portability-to-be-available-soon/story
