Due to a shortage of steel needed for pipelines, the Nation is facing a tight situation in natural gas supplies. The Petroleum Administration for Defense is considering limiting gas use in order to protect current customers and ensure supplies for defense activities. A nationwide order may be issued to ban new space-heating customers and new large-volume customers without approval. Exemptions and modifications would be made where natural gas supplies are adequate. Consultations with industry representatives and government agencies will be held before any decision is made. The proposed order would not be retroactive and would allow for exemptions in hardship cases. The shortage is due to inadequate transportation of natural gas and the hope is that more steel will become available to address the issue.