Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May, 2016 to provide deposit free LPG connection to adult women from poor households across the country. As on 01.11.2025, there were about 10.33 crore PMUY connections across the country.

Government has recently approved the release of 25 lakh additional LPG connections under PMUY during Financial Year 2025-26 to clear pending applications and achieve saturation of LPG access in the country. To further improve access, the eligibility criteria have been simplified to “Adult women from poor households based on submission of a Deprivation Declaration”.

To make LPG more affordable to PMUY consumers and ensure sustained usage of LPG by them, in May 2022 Government started a targeted subsidy of ₹ 200/- per 14.2 kg cylinder (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 Kg connections) to the PMUY consumers which was subsequently increased to ₹ 300/- per 14.2 kg cylinder (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 Kg connections).

For FY 2025-26, the Government is providing a targeted subsidy of ₹ 300/- per cylinder for up to 9 refills of 14.2 Kg cylinders per annum (proportionately pro-rated for 5 Kg connections).

Government monitors LPG consumption through reports/MIS/consumption profile through PPAC/OMCs. Additionally, various independent studies and reports have shown that PMUY scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of rural households, especially women and families in rural and remote areas. Some key benefits are briefly explained below:

(i) PMUY had resulted in a shift from traditional cooking methods that involve burning solid fuels like wood, dung and crop residues. The use of cleaner fuel lowers indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health, particularly among women and children who are traditionally more exposed to household smoke.

(ii) Households in rural areas, especially those in remote locations, often spend a significant portion of their time and energy in collecting traditional cooking fuels. LPG has reduced drudgery and the time spent on cooking by women of poor households. The free time, thus, available with them can be utilized in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.

(iii) Transition from biomass and traditional fuels to LPG reduces the dependency on wood and other biomass for cooking purposes, leading to a decrease in deforestation and environmental degradation. This benefits not only the households but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.

(iv) With improved cooking facilities, there is a potential positive impact on nutrition. Families may find it easier to cook a variety of nutritious meals, contributing to better overall health.

This information was given by the MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MONIKA