10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY: Minister

New Delhi

As of July 1, over 10.33 crore LPG connections have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Launched in May 2016, the scheme initially aimed to provide deposit-free LPG connections to 8 crore women from low-income households, a goal achieved by September 2019.

To expand its reach, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in August 2021 with a target of 1 crore additional connections, which was met by January 2022. Later, 60 lakh more connections were added by December 2022, followed by 75 lakh connections completed by July 2024.

To promote LPG use among beneficiaries, the government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) conduct awareness drives like LPG Panchayats and provide various options such as 5 kg cylinders and flexible refill plans. The government also introduced a targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per 14.2 kg cylinder in May 2022, later increased to Rs 300 in October 2023. This has reduced the effective price of a cylinder to Rs 553 in Delhi.

LPG usage is closely monitored through reports and platforms like the PPAC Consumption Report and Common LPG Data Platform. Studies show the scheme has brought major benefits, especially for women and families in rural and remote areas, improving their quality of life and reducing dependence on traditional cooking fuels.