Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Puri, proudly shared India’s success story in ensuring clean cooking fuel reaches every household through the flagship PM Ujjwala Scheme. Speaking at the “Clean Cooking Ministerial” during the third edition of India Energy Week 2025, Puri emphasized that this achievement could easily be replicated by other nations.
“This is something that is easily doable,” Puri stated, sharing the success driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. He added, “I see no reason why you cannot take LPG – the product of a refinery – to every citizen, or use biofuels cooktops, or other alternatives. It’s something achievable in a short time.”
India’s Progress: From 14 Crore to 33 Crore LPG Connections
Puri explained that when Prime Minister Modi took office, India had only 14 crore LPG connections for a population of 1.4 billion. Today, the number of LPG connections has surged to approximately 33 crore, showcasing India’s impressive progress in expanding access to clean cooking fuel.
PM Ujjwala Scheme: Over 10 Crore Free LPG Connections Provided
Since its launch in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has provided over 10.33 crore free gas connections to households across India. The initiative, designed to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women in economically disadvantaged households, has made a significant impact on the nation’s energy access.
Affordable LPG for All: A Key Achievement of PMUY
Puri further explained that each LPG connection typically services 4-5 people, meaning nearly the entire population now has access to clean cooking fuel. Additionally, the government has made natural gas available through pipelines, which is 25-30% cheaper, providing further affordability for households.
Targeted Subsidies to Ensure Affordability
To support economically weaker sections, the government introduced a targeted subsidy for PMUY beneficiaries in May 2022. This subsidy provides Rs 200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills annually. In October 2023, the subsidy was increased to Rs 300 per cylinder, making LPG more affordable for the economically disadvantaged. As of now, an LPG cylinder in Delhi is priced at Rs 503.
Cost of Clean Cooking Fuel: Minimal for Weaker Sections
Puri also highlighted that for those in economically weaker sections, the daily cost of LPG is less than 7 cents. For others, the cost is around 15 cents per day, making clean cooking fuel affordable for almost everyone in the country. “In other words, clean cooking fuel is available almost to everyone, and it’s no longer an issue,” he remarked.
The Challenges of Accessing LPG in the Past
Reflecting on his student days, Puri recalled how difficult it was to obtain an LPG connection. “When I was at university, getting an LPG cylinder required knowing the right people, and if you had a recommendation, you could get one,” he said, contrasting the past challenges with today’s widespread accessibility.
Impact of PM Ujjwala Yojana: Health and Environmental Benefits
India has made significant strides in improving public health and environmental sustainability through the PM Ujjwala Yojana. The scheme has moved millions of households away from traditional, polluting cooking fuels that harm both the health of rural women and the environment.
By ensuring clean and affordable cooking fuel, India has set an example for the world in achieving sustainable energy solutions and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
(With inputs from ANI)
