LPG gas prices cut by ₹200; govt approves 75 lakh Ujjwala connections

In a major relief to consumers ahead of the festive season, the central government has slashed the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by ₹200 per cylinder for all domestic consumers. The additional subsidy on LPG cylinders will be effective from August 30. The announcement came ahead of key state assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh as well as the Lok Sabha due next year.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's beneficiaries, who are already getting ₹200 subsidy on cooking gas, will get an additional relief of ₹200, which means the rate reduction for such households will be ₹400 per cylinder.

In Delhi, for instance, the decision will bring down the cost of a 14.2 Kg cylinder from the existing ₹1,103 per cylinder to ₹903 per cylinder. For Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) households, the effective price in Delhi after this reduction will be ₹703 per cylinder.

"This is a gift to crores of my sisters of the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Our Government will always do everything possible that improves people's quality of life and benefits the poor and middle class," Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas quoted PM Modi as saying.

The cut in prices of cooking gas is part of the government's ongoing efforts to ease the financial burden on citizens and promote the welfare of households. “The reduction in cooking gas prices reflects the government's commitment to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and ensure access to essential commodities at reasonable rates,” the petroleum ministry says.

The move will provide benefits to more than 31 crore domestic LPG consumers in the country, including 9.6 crore PMUY beneficiary families, and this reduction will help all LPG consumers in the country.

The ministry says the government will shortly start distribution of PMUY connections to 75 lakhs women from poor households who do not have an LPG connection. This will increase the total number of beneficiaries under PMUY from 9.6 crore to 10.35 crore.

The financial implication of an additional subsidy of ₹200 per LPG cylinder has been pegged at ₹7,680 crores for 2023-24.

Hardeep Singh Puri, minister of petroleum and natural gas, says, "We understand the challenges faced by households in managing their budgets. The reduction in cooking gas prices is aimed at providing direct relief to families and individuals, while also supporting the government's larger goal of ensuring affordable access to essential items."

The government has been taking various steps to ease the burden of the people and this reduction in cooking gas prices is a testament to the government's responsiveness to the needs of the people and its unwavering dedication to their welfare, the minister says.