New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) The count of individuals benefiting from the government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to provide universal access to clean cooking fuel, has reached 10.35 crore as of December 1, 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The affordability of LPG was bolstered through a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to nine refills annually for PMUY beneficiaries. This initiative led to a steady increase in LPG consumption, with the average per capita use growing from approximately three refills in 2019-20 to 4.47 refills in FY 2024-25 and further to an estimated 4.85 refills per year during FY 2025-26, demonstrating a consistent shift towards clean cooking fuel.

In an effort to address pending applications and ensure complete LPG access, the government sanctioned the provision of 25 lakh additional LPG connections during FY 2025-26. Enhancements in subsidy targeting and transparency were achieved through expedited Aadhaar authentication, with 71 percent of PMUY consumers and 62 percent of non-PMUY consumers covered by biometric authentication as of December 1, 2025.

To promote consumer safety, a nationwide 'Basic Safety Check' campaign was launched. Over 12.12 crore complimentary safety inspections were performed at customer locations, and more than 4.65 crore LPG hoses were replaced at discounted rates, significantly improving awareness and safety standards in domestic LPG utilization.

The Ministry has also concentrated on enhancing petroleum marketing infrastructure, enabling over 90,000 retail outlets with digital payment capabilities, supported by more than 2.71 lakh POS terminals.

The year also saw rapid expansion in electric mobility infrastructure. Under the FAME-II scheme, 8,932 EV charging stations were established at retail outlets, while Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) additionally set up over 18,500 charging stations independently. The 'APNA GHAR' initiative progressed with the establishment of over 500 wayside amenities for truck drivers, thereby enhancing road safety and fostering rural employment.

Public Sector OMCs plan to establish 4,000 energy stations between 2024-25 and 2028-29 along key corridors and other viable locations. These stations are designed to function as integrated mobility hubs, offering traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel alongside alternative fuels like biofuels, CNG, and electric vehicle charging facilities. As of November 1, 2025, 1,064 energy stations have been established nationwide.

Significant advancements have been made in the gas-based economy, with the length of operational natural gas pipelines in India increasing from 15,340 kms in 2014 to 25,429 kms (as of June 2025), and an additional 10,459 kms under execution as part of the national gas grid.

City Gas Distribution coverage has been extended to 307 geographical areas. By September 2025, PNG domestic connections had reached around 1.57 crore, and the number of CNG stations rose to over 8,400.

Under the SATAT initiative, as of November 1, 2025, more than 130 compressed bio gas plants have been commissioned, with additional plants under construction. The mandatory blending obligations for CBG in both CNG and PNG segments commenced from FY 2025-26, aided by financial support for pipeline connectivity and biomass aggregation.

Biofuels have seen significant advancements this year, with ethanol blending in petrol reaching an average of 19.24 percent in ESY 2024-25, leading to cumulative foreign exchange savings surpassing Rs 1.55 lakh crore and notable reductions in carbon emissions.

The upstream sector also experienced substantial reforms. Under the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy, 172 blocks covering more than 3.78 lakh sq km were awarded, attracting committed investments of approximately $4.36 billion. Exploration activities intensified, involving seismic surveys, drilling programs, and government-supported initiatives such as 'Mission Anveshan'.

Through ongoing policy reforms, infrastructure development, and clean energy initiatives, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas made significant strides in enhancing energy access, affordability, sustainability, and security during 2025, bolstering India’s path toward a resilient and inclusive energy future.