New Delhi: The government has sanctioned an additional 2.5 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the fiscal year 2025-26. This initiative aims to address outstanding applications and achieve comprehensive household LPG coverage, as stated in an official announcement on Thursday.
To enhance accessibility, the eligibility requirements have been streamlined to allow 'adult women from economically disadvantaged households' to apply by submitting a Deprivation Declaration, according to Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
Launched in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from low-income families. As of November 1, 2025, the scheme has successfully delivered approximately 103.3 million connections.
To ensure LPG remains affordable for PMUY beneficiaries and to promote consistent usage, the government implemented a targeted subsidy in May 2022, increasing the subsidy from ₹200 to ₹300 for each 14.2-kilogram cylinder.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the government will offer a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder for up to nine refills of 14.2-kilogram cylinders annually, with a proportional adjustment for 5-kilogram connections.
The government tracks LPG consumption through reports and management information systems (MIS) provided by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell and oil marketing firms.
Numerous independent studies have indicated that the PMUY initiative has significantly improved the quality of life for rural households, particularly benefiting women. The scheme has contributed to a reduction in indoor air pollution and respiratory health hazards, especially for women and children who were previously exposed to smoke from traditional fuels like wood, dung, and crop residues.
By facilitating the use of LPG, the initiative has alleviated the burden of collecting traditional cooking fuels, allowing women from low-income households to save time on cooking. This newfound free time can be redirected towards various productive activities, enhancing their economic contributions.
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