NEW DELHI, March 10 -- As natural gas supplies tighten amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre has directed gas producers and oil marketing companies to prioritize supplies to households and transport, curtailing allocations to sectors such as fertiliser, industry and power.

Under the Essential Commodities Act, the government on Tuesday ordered companies to ensure 100% assured supply of natural gas to domestic piped gas connections and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles.

Other sectors will face restrictions. Industries and commercial consumers procuring gas through the national grid will receive 80% of their average supplies over the past six months, while fertilizer plants will ...