PMUY Achieves Near-Universal LPG Coverage as Distribution Infrastructure Improves, Reports Minister
Synopsis
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has successfully achieved near-universal LPG coverage in India, with over 10.56 crore connections. This initiative, alongside improved distribution infrastructure, aims to enhance access to LPG, particularly for rural households.
Key Takeaways
10.56 crore PMUY connections achieved across India.
25 lakh additional LPG connections authorized for 2025-26.
Average LPG refills for beneficiaries increased significantly.
25,605 LPG distributorships now operational in India.
Targeted subsidy of Rs.
300 per cylinder provided to PMUY consumers.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has led to an achievement of nearly universal LPG coverage in India, with approximately 10.56 crore PMUY connections existing nationwide as of March 1, 2026. This includes 52.60 lakh connections in Maharashtra and 43.92 lakh connections in Gujarat, as reported to Parliament on Monday.
The government has recently authorized the addition of 25 lakh LPG connections under PMUY for the financial year 2025-26 to address pending applications and ensure complete saturation of LPG access across the nation.
“As of March 1, 2026, about 0.48 lakh LPG connections have been issued in Maharashtra and 0.87 lakh LPG connections in Gujarat under this extension,” stated Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Before PMUY was launched, the LPG coverage in India stood at only 62 percent.
Furthermore, the average annual consumption of LPG per PMUY connection (primarily rural households, over 80 percent) has risen from 3.68 refills in FY 2021-22 to 4.80 refills in FY 2025-26.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have significantly enhanced the distribution infrastructure for domestic LPG.
“As of March 1, 2026, there are 25,605 LPG distributorships in India, with 17,677 located in rural areas, supported by 214 LPG bottling plants from OMCs,” Gopi mentioned.
To enhance LPG accessibility in rural and remote regions, 8,037 distributorships were established from April 2016 to February 2026, with 7,444 (93 percent) serving rural communities.
According to the minister, to make LPG more affordable for PMUY consumers and ensure ongoing usage, the government is providing a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills of 14.2 kg cylinders (adjusted proportionately for 5 kg connections) in FY 2025-26.
Additionally, the Saksham program—an annual initiative by Oil Industry Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)—aims to foster energy conservation and sustainability among the public.
Point of View
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has proven to be a transformative initiative, significantly increasing LPG accessibility across India. By focusing on rural households, the government is not only improving quality of life but also promoting sustainable energy use. The ongoing efforts to enhance distribution infrastructure further solidify the commitment to achieving energy equity.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing LPG connections to households, particularly in rural areas, to promote clean cooking fuel usage.
How many LPG connections have been provided under PMUY?
As of March 1, 2026, approximately 10.56 crore LPG connections have been provided under the PMUY scheme.
What subsidy is available for PMUY beneficiaries?
For the financial year 2025-26, PMUY beneficiaries are eligible for a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills.
How has the LPG consumption changed for PMUY beneficiaries?
The average annual LPG consumption for PMUY beneficiaries has increased from 3.68 refills in FY 2021-22 to 4.80 refills in FY 2025-26.
What efforts have been made to improve LPG distribution?
The government has established 25,605 LPG distributorships, with a significant number in rural areas, to enhance LPG distribution infrastructure.
