The LPG cylinder subsidy in India has played a crucial role in transforming the country’s energy landscape. By making clean cooking fuel accessible to millions of households, it has contributed to improved health outcomes, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a key component of India’s efforts to ensure energy security and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The success of the LPG subsidy scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusive development and provides a model for other countries seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources. As India moves forward, the challenge will be to maintain the balance between providing affordable access to clean cooking fuel and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the subsidy program.
LPG Cylinder Subsidy
| Scheme Name | Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) / PAHAL |
| Launched | June 1, 2013 (Relaunched as PAHAL on November 15, 2014) |
| Implemented by | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India |
| Official Website | www.pmuy.gov.in |
| Primary Benefit | Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (as of 2024) |
| People Benefitted | Nearly 10 crore families (as of 2024) |
| Subsidy Limit | Up to 12 refills per year |
The Evolution of LPG Subsidy in India
Early Years
In the initial stages, the Indian government provided subsidized LPG cylinders directly to consumers through oil marketing companies. This system, while beneficial, was prone to leakages and inefficiencies.
Introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer
To address these issues, the government introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme, also known as PAHAL, in 2013. This scheme aimed to transfer subsidies directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries, ensuring better targeting and reducing leakages.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
In May 2016, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. This scheme has been instrumental in increasing LPG coverage across the country.
Current LPG Subsidy Structure
- Subsidy Amount: Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder
- Eligibility: Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
- Limit: Up to 12 refills per year
- Duration: Extended till March 31, 2025
Eligibility Criteria for LPG Subsidy
- Be an adult woman from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household
- Belong to one of the following categories:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiary
- Most Backward Classes
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiary
- Tea and ex-tea garden tribes
- Forest dwellers
- Residents of islands and river islands
- SECC households
- Have no existing LPG connection in the household
- Be at least 18 years old
LPG Consumption Trends
The introduction of subsidy schemes has led to an increase in LPG consumption among beneficiaries:
| Year | Average LPG Consumption (Refills per Year) |
|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 3.01 |
| 2021-22 | 3.68 |
This represents a 20% increase in average LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries.
How To Check The LPG Subsidy Status
- Online Portal: Visit the official website mylpg.in
- SMS: Send an SMS to the designated number provided by your LPG distributor
- Mobile App: Use the official mobile apps of oil marketing companies
- Customer Care: Contact the LPG distributor’s customer care service
Comparison of LPG Prices
| City | Non-Subsidized Price (14.2 kg cylinder) | Subsidized Price for Ujjwala Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs. 803 | Rs. 503 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 802.50 | Rs. 502.50 |
| Kolkata | Rs. 829 | Rs. 529 |
| Chennai | Rs. 818.50 | Rs. 518.50 |
How To Apply For The LPG Subsidy
Applying for LPG subsidy in India can be done through both online and offline methods. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply:
Online Application
- Visit the official website: Go to the MyLPG portal (https://www.mylpg.in/) or your LPG provider’s official website.
- Register or login: If you’re a new user, register by providing your LPG ID, registered mobile number, and email address. Existing users can simply log in.
- Go to subsidy application: Look for sections like “PAHAL DBTL” or “Subsidy Application.”
- Enter required details: Provide necessary information such as your 17-digit LPG ID, Aadhaar number, and bank account details.
- Submit the application: After filling in all required fields, submit your application.
- Verification: The system will verify your details. You may receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for confirmation.
- Confirmation: Upon successful verification, you’ll receive a confirmation message or email.
Offline Application
- Visit LPG distributor: Go to your nearest authorized LPG distributor.
- Request application form: Ask for the LPG subsidy application form.
- Fill the form: Complete the form with accurate details, including your LPG consumer number, Aadhaar number, and bank account information.
- Attach documents: Submit copies of required documents, which may include:
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- LPG consumer booklet
- Submit the form: Hand over the completed form and documents to the distributor.
- Acknowledgment: Obtain an acknowledgment receipt from the distributor.
- Follow-up: Keep the receipt safe and follow up with the distributor if necessary.