In a major change for millions of households, the Central Government has reduced the number of subsidised LPG cylinders available under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Earlier, beneficiaries could receive subsidies on up to nine LPG cylinder refills in a year.
Under the new rule, the subsidy will now be available on only the first four cylinders purchased during a financial year.
The decision is expected to impact over 10 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country.
Why Has the Government Reduced the Subsidy Limit?
According to government officials, the decision was based on consumption data from Ujjwala households.
The analysis reportedly showed that most PMUY beneficiaries use around four LPG cylinders annually.
Since the average consumption was much lower than the previous limit of nine cylinders, the government decided to revise the subsidy entitlement.
Officials say the move is aimed at making the subsidy system more targeted and efficient while continuing support for low-income families.
What Changes for Ujjwala Beneficiaries?
Under the revised rules, eligible households will continue to receive subsidy benefits, but only on the first four LPG cylinder refills they buy during a financial year.
After exhausting this limit, any additional cylinders will have to be purchased at the regular market price without subsidy support.
This means families that use more than four cylinders a year could see an increase in their annual cooking fuel expenses.
What Is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
Launched in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was introduced to provide clean cooking fuel to women from economically weaker households.
The scheme was designed to reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels such as:
Firewood
Coal
Cow dung cakes
These fuels are known to cause indoor air pollution and can lead to serious health problems, especially for women and children.
Over the years, PMUY has become one of India’s largest welfare initiatives, providing LPG connections to more than 10 crore beneficiaries.
How Could This Impact Households?
For families whose LPG usage is limited to four cylinders or less each year, the change may have little impact.
However, households that rely more heavily on LPG for cooking may need to spend more, as additional cylinders beyond the subsidised quota will be available only at market rates.
The policy change is likely to be closely watched, particularly in rural and low-income areas where LPG subsidies play an important role in household budgets.
Government’s Focus Remains on Clean Cooking Fuel
Despite reducing the number of subsidised refills, the government says it remains committed to promoting clean cooking energy across the country.
Officials have described the move as an effort to optimise subsidy spending while ensuring support reaches households based on actual consumption patterns.
The Ujjwala Yojana continues to be a key part of India’s clean energy and social welfare strategy, aimed at expanding access to safer and healthier cooking fuel for millions of families.
Key Takeaway
The government has reduced the annual subsidised LPG cylinder limit under the Ujjwala Yojana from nine to four.
The change is based on data showing that most beneficiaries use around four cylinders per year.
While subsidy support will continue, families that require more than four cylinders annually will now have to purchase additional refills at full market prices.
