Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged “serious side effects” of the West Asia war and announced seven empowered groups to mount a national response, the Centre today notified a new policy to boost piped natural gas (PNG) supplies across India.The policy simplifies approvals, enforces accountability and encourages PNG adoption to cut dependence on LPG and secure energy distribution ecosystem as the West Asia war looms.Notified by the Ministry of Petroleum tonight, The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, removes bottlenecks in pipeline infrastructure and sets new norms to expand PNG access.In a major move, the order mandates that housing societies and residential areas (many are known to resist PNG) must grant access for pipeline installation within three working days of the application.“If access is denied, the authorised entity can escalate the matter and issue public notices. In such cases, LPG supply to households may be discontinued within three months if they do not opt for the PNG, unless technical infeasibility is certified,” the order states. This provision is expected to accelerate PNG adoption in urban and semi-urban areas.Also, the new rules create a uniform national framework governing permissions, right of way, and operational procedures for laying pipelines will be created. “This move acknowledges that pipeline laying in India is hindered by delays in approvals, denial of access to land, high charges imposed by the authorities and resistance from housing societies and consumers,” officials say.The order prescribes strict timelines for pipeline permissions.“The public authorities must process applications within time limits ranging from 10 to 60 working days, depending on the project type,” states the notification. If the authorities don’t comply in this time, approval will be treated as “deemed granted”, allowing projects to move without bureaucratic hurdles.The order will be applicable to public entities, private landholders, housing societies and authorised entities involved in gas and petroleum distribution.A key aim, sources said, was to increase the supply of natural gas through pipelines to domestic consumers.“The order addresses the issue of continued LPG dependence even in areas where the PNG is available, calling for a shift towards cleaner and more efficient fuel usage,” the officials say.The policy further introduces compensation norms for private landowners based on a percentage of circle rates and also lays down clear restrictions on land use in areas where pipelines are installed. “Landowners will be allowed to continue existing use but cannot undertake construction, excavation or activities that may damage pipelines,” it says.Under the new rules, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has been named as the nodal agency for monitoring implementation. It will collect data on approvals, rejections and compliance, ensuring accountability and oversight.The new policy also stems from powers the Centre undertook by invoking the Essential Commodities Act-1955 to ensure proper supply of key goods.