LPG Shortage vs. PNG Stability: Why India Faces a Cooking Gas Crisis

• India faces an LPG cylinder shortage and booking delays, despite government assurances, while Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply remains stable.
• Three main reasons for the disparity are fundamental differences in distribution systems, import dependence, and the vast consumer base size.
• LPG relies on complex truck-based logistics prone to disruptions, whereas PNG reaches kitchens directly through continuous underground pipelines.
• India imports over 60% of its LPG, making it vulnerable to global crises like the US-Iran conflict; PNG is 50% domestically produced.
• LPG has over 330 million connections, making supply management challenging, while PNG serves only 15 million urban households, simplifying its management.