In a significant revision to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the Centre has decided to lower the number of LPG cylinders eligible for subsidy from nine per year to four. The move is aimed at aligning subsidy support with the average annual consumption pattern of households covered under the scheme.
Launched in 2016, the Ujjwala programme provides free LPG connections to women from economically weaker households to encourage the use of cleaner cooking fuel.
Initially, beneficiaries were entitled to subsidy benefits on up to 12 cylinders annually, a number that was later reduced to nine before the latest revision.
Despite the reduction in the subsidised quota, the government has retained the existing subsidy amount of Rs 300 per 14.2-kg LPG cylinder.
The subsidy continues to be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts after each eligible refill purchase.
The decision comes at a time when domestic LPG prices have witnessed fresh hikes due to rising international energy costs. Officials maintain that even with the revised quota, beneficiaries will continue receiving substantial financial support on their cooking gas purchases.
Government representatives have stated that the revised policy reflects actual usage trends among PMUY households and is intended to ensure that subsidy allocations remain targeted and sustainable.
Government Tightens LPG Subsidy Rules to Prevent Misuse
According to some reports, the government has decided to revise the LPG subsidy structure under the Ujjwala scheme following concerns over the misuse of subsidised cylinders. According to official sources as per some reports, some beneficiaries were allegedly claiming multiple subsidised refills and diverting them for commercial use or resale, leading to leakage in the subsidy system and increasing the financial burden on the government.
Officials believe that limiting the number of subsidised refills will help curb such practices and ensure that the benefits reach genuine households. The move, they say, is intended to strengthen the delivery of welfare benefits rather than reduce support for low-income families.
No Restriction on Buying LPG Cylinders
The government has clarified that there is no cap on the total number of LPG cylinders a household can purchase in a year. Beneficiaries will continue to be free to buy as many cylinders as they require.
However, subsidy support will now be available only for the first four LPG refills annually. Any additional cylinders purchased after that will be charged at the regular market price.
Most Beneficiaries Unlikely to Be Affected
According to government data, the average Ujjwala beneficiary uses around four LPG cylinders per year. Based on this consumption pattern, officials maintain that the revised subsidy limit is unlikely to affect the majority of genuine users.
The government argues that aligning subsidies with actual usage will reduce wastage, prevent diversion, and improve the overall efficiency of the scheme.
Focus on Better Welfare Delivery
Officials have described the change as part of a broader effort to make welfare programmes more targeted, transparent, and sustainable. By plugging loopholes and reducing misuse, the government aims to ensure that subsidy benefits continue to reach the households that need them the most.
The focus, authorities say, remains on strengthening welfare delivery while maintaining support for eligible beneficiaries.
