India Nears Universal LPG Coverage as PMUY Connections Reach 10.56 Crore
By Senior Correspondent | TheTrendingPeople.com NEW DELHI, March 23 — The Government of India has announced significant progress toward achieving universal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) coverage across the nation. Facilitated by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the total number of connections reached approximately 10.56 crore as of March 1, 2026.
Prior to the inception of PMUY in 2016, national LPG access was limited to approximately 62 percent of households. The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate the transition from traditional, combustible biomass fuels to cleaner energy alternatives. To address pending applications and achieve comprehensive market saturation, the government recently authorized the release of 25 lakh additional PMUY connections for the 2025–26 financial year.
Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, provided regional data in a written parliamentary response. As of March 1, 2026, under the current extension, approximately 48,000 new LPG connections were issued in Maharashtra and 87,000 in Gujarat. Cumulatively, Maharashtra accounts for 52.60 lakh connections, while Gujarat maintains 43.92 lakh.
To ensure the continued affordability and sustained utilization of LPG, the government has maintained a targeted subsidy framework for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Beneficiaries under the PMUY scheme receive a subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to nine refills annually.
Concurrently, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have significantly expanded the distribution infrastructure. Between April 2016 and February 2026, 8,037 new distributorships were commissioned, of which 93 percent (7,444) are situated in rural regions. At present, India’s supply chain is supported by 25,605 LPG distributors and 214 bottling plants.
The expansion of LPG access has yielded substantial socioeconomic benefits, particularly in rural areas, which account for over 80 percent of PMUY beneficiaries. Data indicates a consistent upward trend in consumption patterns. The average annual refill rate per household increased from 3.68 cylinders in the 2021–22 financial year to 4.80 cylinders in the current period. Public health professionals observe that this transition significantly reduces indoor air pollution, thereby mitigating respiratory ailments that disproportionately affect women in rural households.
As the physical distribution network nears saturation, strategic focus is shifting toward long-term sustainability. In conjunction with the PMUY expansion, Oil Industry Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are administering 'Saksham,' a flagship annual public awareness initiative designed to promote energy conservation and sustainable consumption practices.
Our Final Thoughts
The extensive rollout of the PMUY scheme represents a critical advancement in India's energy infrastructure. By integrating targeted financial subsidies with robust rural distribution networks, the policy effectively addresses both the accessibility and affordability of clean cooking fuel. Moving forward, the sustained increase in average cylinder consumption will serve as a primary indicator of the program's long-term efficacy in permanently substituting traditional biomass fuels.