West Asia tensions hit Mumbai's commercial PNG users as MGL withdraws subsidies

The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused while reaffirming its commitment to safe and reliable PNG and CNG supply. Representational pic

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has announced the immediate discontinuation of all support schemes and subsidies for its commercial customers, citing the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia.

In an official statement posted on X on Tuesday, MGL said it has been "constrained to discontinue all support schemes and subsidies for commercial customers with immediate effect". The withdrawal includes downstream piping cost absorption and monthly bill subsidies for self-funded installations. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused while reaffirming its commitment to safe and reliable piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) supply.

MGL has asked affected commercial customers to contact official channels for further clarifications.

Public reactions

The announcement drew concerned reactions from users.

One comment read, "Always common man suffering..!"

Another user termed it an "economic emergency" and advised people to safeguard their finances.

Several complaints also emerged about pending PNG installations for months. Further, consumers questioned the timing, asking how the company expects people to switch from LPG to PNG when incentives are being withdrawn. MGL's team responded to several queries, directing customers to email support@mahanagargas.com.

Possible impact on common citizens

While the decision directly hits commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants and bakeries, the ripple effect could lead to higher costs for end consumers. Domestic PNG users are not directly affected, but service delays highlighted in comments reflect growing frustration over reliability.

Govt eases norms for domestic LPG-to-PNG transition

Interestingly, this development comes just a day after the Centre notified the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026, to facilitate easier transition for domestic consumers from LPG to PNG.

Under the new norms, LPG consumers who obtain a PNG connection can now apply for termination of their LPG connection within 30 days and receive a transfer voucher for future restoration in non-PNG areas. This move offers flexibility, particularly to transferable employees, migrants, tenants, students and shifting families.

Since March this year, 7.99 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure readied for another 2.87 lakh, taking the total to 10.86 lakh. The government has also urged citizens to adopt PNG and electric or induction cooktops while conserving energy and avoiding panic buying of fuel.

(With IANS inputs)