LPG, LNG, PNG, and CNG: Key Differences & India’s Gas Supply Challenges

The ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz have exposed India’s heavy reliance on imported gas. With shortages hitting major cities, understanding the differences between LPG, LNG, PNG, and CNG is crucial.

• The Strait of Hormuz, through which more than 20% of global energy supplies pass, has become a critical chokepoint.
• The Centre invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to reallocate gas supplies.
• Priority has been given to households and hospitals to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• LPG is a portable, clean, and efficient energy source composed mainly of propane and butane.
• It is stored as a liquid in pressurized cylinders and is widely used for household cooking.
• India produces some LPG domestically, but imports are necessary to meet total demand.
• The government expanded LPG access through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provided subsidized connections to low-income households.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

• CNG is an environmentally friendly automotive fuel composed primarily of methane (80–90%).
• It is compressed to a pressure of about 200–250 kg/cm², allowing large amounts of gas to be stored in small vehicle tanks.
• Unlike LPG, which is stored as a liquid, CNG remains in gaseous form.
• CNG is widely used to reduce vehicular greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution.

Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

• PNG is composed mainly of methane (CH₄) with small amounts of other hydrocarbons.
• It is supplied directly to households, commercial establishments, and industries through pipelines.
• Methane has the lowest carbon-to-hydrogen ratio among fossil fuels, which makes PNG burn more cleanly.
• PNG eliminates the need for cylinders and ensures a steady supply of fuel.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

• LNG is natural gas, primarily methane, cooled to –160°C to convert it into liquid form.
• It is transported in specialized cryogenic tankers and stored in insulated tanks at terminals near ports.
• Qatar supplies roughly half of India’s LNG imports under long-term contracts, while other suppliers include the United States, Australia, and Russia.
• Imported LNG is regasified before being transported through pipelines for use in electricity generation, fertilizer production, city gas distribution, and industrial processes.
• India has limited LNG storage capacity compared to regions such as Europe, which makes it more vulnerable to supply disruptions.

DOWNLOAD PDF