Vinod Bhat
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) completes nine remarkable years on 1st May 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards ensuring clean cooking fuel for all. Launched in May 2016, PMUY was aimed at providing deposit free LPG connections to adult women from poor households, promoting health, environmental sustainability and women empowerment by replacing traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow-dung cakes.
Over these nine years, the scheme has transformed the lives of millions across the country. As on 01.03.2025, there are 10.33 crore PMUY connections across India. Reflecting the sustained usage of LPG, out of the 8.99 crore connections released as on 01.04.2022, 8.34 crore beneficiaries have availed at least one refill during the last two financial years, between April 2022 and March 2024.
Ujjwala 2.0 – Expanding the Reach
To cover the remaining poor households, the Government launched Ujjwala 2.0 in August 2021 with the target of releasing 1 crore additional PMUY connections, which was achieved in January 2022. Following the success, an additional 60 lakh LPG connections were released under Ujjwala 2.0, achieving a total of 1.60 crore connections by December 2022.
Further, the Government approved the release of 75 lakh additional connections for the period FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, which was successfully achieved in July 2024.
Under Ujjwala 2.0, a special provision was made for migrant families, allowing them to avail a new LPG connection through a self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address and Ration Card.
As on 1st March 2025, the total number of active domestic LPG consumers in India stands at 32.94 crore, including 10.33 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Expansion of LPG Distributor Network
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are continuously commissioning new LPG distributorships, especially in rural areas. Since the launch of the PMUY scheme, OMCs have commissioned 7959 distributorships across the country during the period from 1st April 2016 to 31st October 2024, out of which 7373 distributorships (93%) are catering to rural areas. Overall, the total number of LPG distributors increased from 13896 on 1st April 2014 to 25481 on 1st April 2024, marking an 83% growth. Distributors catering specifically to rural areas rose from 6724 to 17560 during the same period, registering an impressive 161% growth.
Consumption Trends
Globally, PMUY is the biggest program of its kind that provides Domestic LPG to more than 10.33 crore poor households at an effective price of just about Rs. 35/Kg. Further, the effective price of domestic LPG cylinder in neighbouring countries as on 01.01.2025 is as below:
| Country | Domestic LPG (Rs./14.2 kg.cyl.) |
| India | 503.00* |
| Pakistan | 1094.83 |
| Sri Lanka | 1231.53 |
| Nepal | 1206.65 |
Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)
*Effective cost to PMUY beneficiaries in Delhi, effective price is Rs. 803 for non-PMUY consumers
As a result of various steps taken by Government to improve access and affordability of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers, per capita consumption of PMUY beneficiaries (in terms of no. of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders taken per year) has increased. Due to various measures, the annual per capita LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries has shown a steady increase:
- FY 2019-20: 3.01 cylinders
- FY 2023-24: 3.95 cylinders
- FY 2024-25 (as on 1st March 2025): 4.43 cylinders
Impact of PMUY on Rural Households
Various independent studies and reports have highlighted the significant positive impact of PMUY on rural households, especially women and families in remote areas.
Key Benefits:
- Health Improvement: Shift from traditional fuels to LPG has reduced indoor air pollution, improving respiratory health, particularly among women and children.
- Reduced Drudgery: LPG has decreased the time and effort spent on collecting traditional fuels, allowing women to use their free time in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.
- Environmental Conservation: Reduced dependency on wood and biomass has contributed to decreased deforestation and environmental protection.
- Better Nutrition: Easier cooking with LPG has enabled families to prepare a variety of nutritious meals, supporting better overall health.
Top States with maximum connections under PMU
Leading the charge in PMUY implementation are, in descending order, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These states have made significant progress in providing clean and affordable LPG connections to their citizens, contributing significantly to the overall success of the scheme.
For complete data on state-wise beneficiaries, click here.
Global Recognition of the Scheme
The scheme has been applauded by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a “major achievement” in improving the environment and health of women.
| “Providing access to LPG across India by 2020 is a major achievement. It is not an energy issue, it is an economic issue, it is a social issue.”-Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director |
PMUY also garnered praise in a report by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018.
The report mentions that while air pollution levels worldwide are hovering around the danger mark, there are a few countries that have taken the matter seriously and have initiated steps to tackle it.
| “While the latest data show ambient air pollution levels are still dangerously high in most parts of the world, they also show some positive progress. Countries are taking measures to tackle and reduce air pollution from particulate matter. For example, in just two years, India’s Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme has provided some 37 million women living below the poverty line with free LPG connections to support them to switch to clean household energy use,”– WHO Report |
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has brought transformative change, especially for women in rural India. By promoting the use of cleaner LPG fuel, the scheme has improved health, enhanced safety, supported environmental conservation, and empowered women to participate more actively in economic activities, contributing to overall well-being.
