India's Clean Cooking Success: Ujjwala Scheme Transforms Access to LPG

The PM Ujjwala Scheme has uplifted millions by providing clean cooking fuel across India. Union Minister Hardeep Puri emphasized its replicability at the Clean Cooking Ministerial, part of India Energy Week 2025. With over 33 crore LPG connections, India showcases a sustainable model for energy access.

India's ambitious Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has become a beacon of success in delivering clean cooking fuel to households nationwide, revealed Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri at the Clean Cooking Ministerial during India Energy Week 2025. Puri remarked on the scheme's effectiveness and urged other nations to adopt similar measures.

From a modest 14 crore LPG connections in 2014, India now boasts nearly 33 crore, due in large part to the PMUY, which provides free LPG connections to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Highlighting the scheme's impact, Puri underscored the importance of accessible energy as a crucial factor in sustainable development.

To further support economically weaker sections, the government introduced a targeted LPG subsidy, raising it to Rs 300 per cylinder by October 2023. This initiative ensures that the cost of clean cooking fuel remains affordable for the masses. Puri recalled past hardships in securing fuel, contrasting it with today's widespread and economical access.