Chandigarh's domestic LPG consumption higher than national average

The number of domestic LPG consumers in Chandigarh continues to rise steadily, with the city now having more than three lakh household connections.

According to data recently shared by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Parliament, Chandigarh had 2,86,442 domestic LPG consumers as of April 1, 2022. The number rose to 3,08,020 as of April 1, 2026, registering an addition of 21,578 consumers over four years, or a growth of nearly 7.5 per cent.

The data also indicates that LPG consumption per household in Chandigarh is significantly higher than the national average.

During 2025-26, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in Chandigarh consumed an average of 7.2 LPG cylinders, compared to the national average of 4.8 cylinders. Similarly, non-PMUY domestic consumers in Chandigarh recorded an average annual consumption of 9.6 cylinders, considerably higher than the national average of 6.8 cylinders. The figures highlight the continued dependence of households in the city on LPG as a primary cooking fuel despite the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure.

Among neighbouring states and Union Territories, Punjab had 91,60,891 domestic LPG consumers, while Haryana recorded 74,75,277. Delhi had 51,53,568 domestic LPG consumers, whereas Himachal Pradesh had 21,14,690. Despite the aggressive campaign launched by the UT Administration to encourage households to switch from LPG to PNG, the city has so far achieved only 20 per cent of its target.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the city had 34,175 domestic PNG connections as of May 31, 2026, against a minimum work programme (MWP) target of 1.75 lakh connections within a 90-day period beginning at the end of March.

Efforts to bring the city under the PNG network gained momentum after gas supply was disrupted due to the West Asia conflict. Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL), which introduced PNG in the city in 2016, has laid pipeline infrastructure across several areas, including Sectors 32-38, 40-51, the Industrial Area, Phases I and II, and Manimajra, covering roughly 30 per cent of the city.

The UT Administration has launched a multi-pronged strategy, including door-to-door awareness campaigns, registration camps in group housing societies and coordination with resident welfare associations (RWAs).

Officials of the Food and Supplies Department have been directed to hold camps daily in housing societies to facilitate on-the-spot registrations and address consumers’ concerns.

Some of the advantages of switching from LPG to PNG include convenience and uninterrupted supply through a pipeline network, eliminating the need for cylinder booking and refilling.