Image Source : BackBencher Buzz
India’s LPG revolution continues to reshape rural life, with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announcing that over 10.33 crore women have received free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The scheme, launched in 2016, has become a cornerstone of India’s clean energy and women’s empowerment narrative.
Key Milestones and Impact
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LPG connections have surged from 14 crore in 2014 to 33 crore in 2025, marking a 135 percent increase.
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PMUY beneficiaries now receive cylinders at just Rs 553, significantly lower than prices in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka (Rs 1,204), Nepal (Rs 1,201), and Pakistan (Rs 1,000).
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The initiative has helped reduce indoor air pollution, improved health outcomes, and saved countless hours previously spent collecting firewood.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
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The scheme has catalyzed job creation across LPG distribution, logistics, and infrastructure.
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Over 238 crore cylinders have been refilled under PMUY in nine years, indicating sustained usage and acceptance.
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LPG coverage has expanded from 62 percent in 2016 to near saturation, reaching even remote villages.
Infrastructure Boost and Political Undercurrents
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PM Modi laid the foundation for BPCL’s Rs 1,950 crore City Gas Distribution project in West Bengal, alongside the inauguration of the DurgapurKolkata pipeline section.
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Minister Puri highlighted fuel price disparities between BJP and nonBJP states, citing lower petrol and diesel rates in BJPruled regions due to VAT cuts and central excise reductions.
Sources: WebIndia123, ABP Live, Greater Kashmir, ThePrint, Pratidin Time, ANI News, MSN News, Times of India
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