Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 28: India’s energy transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has not only enhanced access to clean fuel but has also emerged as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

Taking to social media platform X, Puri highlighted the achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), under which over 10.33 crore women have received LPG connections — granting them dignity, health benefits, and ease in daily living.

“The Indian woman today is no longer just a consumer of clean fuel — she is actively shaping the nation’s energy future,” the minister wrote.

Expanding the Reach of Clean Fuel

India’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) network now covers 96% of the country’s geographical area and reaches 99% of the population, with 1.51 crore homes connected to piped natural gas (PNG), Puri noted.

He also pointed to the growing role of women in the energy economy, citing examples of female-led biogas plants, LPG distributorships, and retail fuel outlets. In FY 2024–25 alone, India procured 42,800 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG) — part of a broader push toward green energy.

Energy Access as Social Empowerment

Beyond its environmental impact, India’s energy expansion has had ripple effects in social and economic upliftment.

“It’s not just about fuel — it’s about financial independence, opportunity, and leadership for women,” said Puri, underscoring the transformation that access to clean energy has enabled at the grassroots level.

A Step Closer to Energy Self-Sufficiency

The minister also reaffirmed India’s ambitions for energy independence, citing major policy breakthroughs in oil exploration.

He said that 99% of previously restricted “No-Go” offshore areas have now been opened up, and over 1 million square kilometres are now available for oil and gas exploration.

The Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Round X has drawn strong interest from both domestic and global energy players, with expectations that it will set new benchmarks for investment and innovation in India’s energy sector.

“India is securing its energy future — one confident step at a time,” Puri added.

From LPG in rural kitchens to cutting-edge oil blocks in the open seas, India’s energy narrative today is one of inclusivity, resilience, and forward-looking leadership.