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PMUY Achieves Near-Universal LPG Coverage, OMCs Expand Rural Network

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has achieved near-universal LPG coverage in India with approximately 10.56 crore connections. Oil Marketing Companies have significantly expanded distribution infrastructure, commissioning over 8,000 new distributorships since 2016, with 93% serving rural areas. The government is providing a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per cylinder to PMUY consumers for up to 9 refills in the current financial year to ensure sustained usage. Consumption among PMUY beneficiaries has also risen, from 3.68 refills per year in FY 2021-22 to 4.80 refills in FY 2025-26.

Key Points: PMUY LPG Coverage Near Universal, OMCs Improve Infrastructure

  • Over 10.5 crore PMUY connections nationwide
  • 25 lakh new connections approved for FY 2025-26
  • PMUY beneficiary consumption increased to 4.8 refills/year
  • Over 8,000 new LPG distributorships commissioned since 2016
  • Targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per cylinder for PMUY consumers
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PMUY helps achieve near-universal LPG coverage, OMCs improve distribution infra: Minister

PMUY achieves near-universal LPG access with over 10.5 crore connections. OMCs expand rural distributorships and government provides targeted subsidy.

"As on 01.03.2026, under this extension, around 0.48 lakh LPG connections have been released in Maharashtra and around 0.87 lakh LPG connections have been released in Gujarat - Suresh Gopi"

New Delhi, March 23

With the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, near-universal LPG coverage has now been achieved and there were about 10.56 crore PMUY connections across the country, including 52.60 lakh connections in Maharashtra and 43.92 lakh connections in Gujarat, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

The government 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.

"As on 01.03.2026, under this extension, around 0.48 lakh LPG connections have been released in Maharashtra and around 0.87 lakh LPG connections have been released in Gujarat," Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, said in a written answer to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Prior to the launch of PMUY, LPG coverage in the country was about 62 per cent.

Further, per connection consumption (in terms of number of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders taken per year) of PMUY beneficiaries (more than 80 per cent of which comprise rural households) has increased from 3.68 in FY 2021-22 to 4.80 refills in FY 2025-26.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have immensely improved the distribution infrastructure for domestic LPG.

"As of 01.03.2026, there are 25,605 LPG distributorships in India, including 17,677 in rural areas, serving by 214 LPG bottling plants of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)," said Gopi.

To improve LPG access in rural and remote areas, 8,037 distributorships were commissioned between April 2016 and February 2026, of which 7,444 (93 per cent) serve rural regions.

According to the minister, to make LPG more affordable to PMUY consumers and ensure sustained usage of LPG by PMUY consumers, for FY 2025-26, the government is providing targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills of 14.2 kg cylinder (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg connections) to the PMUY consumers.

Moreover, 'Saksham' is the annual flagship programme of Oil Industry Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), aimed at promoting energy conservation and sustainability among the public.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the numbers improving. The increase from 3.68 to 4.80 refills per year shows people are actually using it regularly and not just for show. Health benefits for women and children are immense.
A
Aman W
While the coverage is impressive, the real challenge is affordability in the long run. Rs. 300 subsidy is helpful, but cylinder prices are still high. Hope the government continues the support so that families don't revert to firewood.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in public health, this is one of the most significant welfare schemes. Reducing indoor air pollution directly impacts respiratory health. The infrastructure expansion to rural areas is key.
K
Karthik V
The numbers look good on paper. But in my village in Maharashtra, people still complain about delays in getting refills and the deposit for the cylinder. Distribution needs to be as efficient as the enrollment.
M
Meera T
From 62% to near-universal coverage is a massive achievement in less than a decade. It's not just about giving a connection, but ensuring usage with the 'Saksham' program for awareness. Great step for women's empowerment and environment. 👏

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