Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 7: More than 33 crore consumers across India now benefit from doorstep LPG cylinder delivery within hours of booking, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced on Saturday.

Marking World LPG Day, Puri credited the achievement to the government’s sustained efforts to make clean cooking fuel accessible nationwide.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the minister emphasized the scheme’s success in shifting millions of households from traditional cooking fuels to safer, cleaner LPG.

“Over 10.33 crore women have received free LPG connections under PMUY, helping them transition from traditional fuels to safer and cleaner LPG,” Puri shared on social media platform X.

He noted that the widespread adoption of LPG has significantly improved health by reducing kitchen smoke and freed up valuable time for women, enhancing their quality of life.

Puri also praised the efforts of LPG workers who ensure the efficient production and distribution of cooking gas, now reaching nearly every corner of the country—from remote villages to urban high-rises.

“From distant villages to city buildings, LPG is making cooking easier and healthier for families,” he added.

Addressing concerns about global energy costs, the minister underlined the Modi government’s commitment to shielding consumers from sharp price rises. Despite a nearly 58% surge in international LPG prices, PMUY beneficiaries still pay only Rs 553 per 14.2 kg cylinder, compared to Rs 853 for regular consumers.

He credited proactive measures such as excise duty cuts and oil marketing companies absorbing price hikes for maintaining affordability.

Puri also highlighted the environmental benefits of the LPG expansion, noting that the shift has helped save lakhs of trees from being felled for firewood and prevented thousands of deaths from indoor air pollution.