New Delhi, March 11 -- On 9 March the union government issued an order under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 that discouraged companies which receive pooled gas supplies from legally challenging its decision to divert natural gas to priority sectors.

The move comes amid concerns over possible supply disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has affected liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Mint explains what the order says, the legal basis for it, and whether courts can still entertain challenges from affected companies.

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas issued the natural gas (supply regulation) order, 2026 to deal with potential LNG shortages. The order introduced a four-ti...