**You Can Soon Switch Your LPG Supplier in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:48 PM*
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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has taken a significant step towards enhancing consumer choice in the LPG sector. It has proposed a new LPG Interoperability Framework that will allow consumers to switch their LPG suppliers, similar to the mobile number portability system. This move aims to address long-standing consumer grievances and supply disruptions.
### Current Scenario
At present, LPG consumers in India can only change dealers within the same oil company. Switching between different oil companies is not permitted, which limits consumer options and flexibility.
### Consumer Feedback and PNGRB’s Invitation for Comments
PNGRB has invited comments from stakeholders and consumers on the proposed framework. The regulator acknowledges that operational constraints faced by local distributors often leave consumers with limited or no alternatives. In its notice, PNGRB stated, “There may be other reasons, too, and the consumer needs to have the freedom of choice on the LPG company/dealer.”
### A Look Back: Pilot Project for LPG Portability
Back in 2013, the UPA government launched a pilot project allowing LPG connection portability in 24 districts across 13 states. This initiative was expanded across India in January 2014 to cover 480 districts. However, unlike the mobile sector, where number portability enables switching between service providers, LPG consumers were restricted to changing dealers only within the same oil company.
### Addressing Service Disruptions
The PNGRB emphasizes the importance of a continuity-centric approach to ensure consumers do not face service failures. Recent reports have highlighted cases of supply disruptions and prolonged delays in LPG refill deliveries. Such interruptions have adversely affected households as well as commercial establishments, particularly in areas where local distributors face suspension or operational difficulties.
### Seeking Consumer Participation
India has made remarkable progress, achieving near-universal LPG household coverage with over 32 crore connections as of FY25. Despite this, the PNGRB receives more than 17 lakh consumer grievances annually, signaling ongoing issues in timely access and service quality.
To tackle these challenges, PNGRB is actively seeking views from consumers, distributors, and civil society organizations about measures to ensure smooth and timely LPG refills.
### What’s Next?
After collecting comments by mid-October 2025, PNGRB will formulate detailed rules for LPG portability and announce an official rollout date. This development promises increased flexibility for consumers and could reshape the LPG distribution landscape in India.
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*Stay tuned for more updates on LPG reforms and consumer-centric initiatives.*
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