Households covered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will now receive the government's Rs 300 LPG subsidy on only the first four cylinder refills each year, according to a recent clarification issued by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The move effectively caps annual subsidy support at Rs 1,200 per beneficiary household.

Key Highlights

• PMUY beneficiaries will receive a Rs 300 subsidy only on the first four LPG refills annually.
• Annual subsidy support under Ujjwala scheme now capped at Rs 1,200 per beneficiary household.

The ministry stated that “Ujjwala households will receive Rs 300 per cylinder on the first four refills each year,” indicating that subsidy benefits will now be linked to a limited number of annual refills. While no separate policy notification has been issued, the latest communication provides clarity on the revised subsidy structure for millions of PMUY beneficiaries across the country.

Annual Subsidy Support Fixed at Rs 1,200

Under the updated framework, eligible Ujjwala beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of Rs 300 on each of the first four LPG cylinder refills in a financial year. This translates into total annual assistance of Rs 1,200 per household.

The revision aligns with the government's assessment that the average LPG consumption among PMUY households is approximately four to five cylinders annually. The clarification follows an earlier policy change introduced in August last year, when the number of subsidised LPG refills for Ujjwala beneficiaries was reduced from 12 to nine cylinders per year.

LPG Price Hike Adds to Consumer Concerns

The announcement comes shortly after domestic LPG prices were increased byRs 29 per cylinder on June 7, marking the second hike within three months. Rising international energy prices and higher import costs have continued to exert pressure on state-owned oil marketing companies.

Despite the increase, the government maintains that LPG consumers continue to receive significant support. According to the ministry, a PMUY beneficiary currently pays around Rs 642 for a standard 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, compared to Rs 942 paid by a regular consumer in Delhi.

Officials noted that the actual supply cost of a cylinder has crossed Rs 1,600, highlighting the extent of government support and under-recoveries borne by fuel retailers.

Also Read: LPG Cylinder Prices Hiked Again; Check Latest Rates Across India

Government Highlights Ongoing LPG Support

The ministry said non-Ujjwala consumers continue to benefit from an indirect subsidy estimated at nearly Rs 700 per cylinder, while PMUY beneficiaries receive support of close to Rs 1,000 per cylinder.

It also pointed out that domestic LPG prices in India remain lower than those prevailing in several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada and the United States.

Who Can Apply for PM Ujjwala Yojana?

The PMUY scheme is available to women aged 18 years and above belonging to economically weaker households. Applicants must ensure that no member of their household already holds an LPG connection.

Eligible applicants can apply online through the PMUY portal, visit a Common Service Centre (CSC), or submit forms directly at an authorised LPG distributorship.

Required documents include:

• Aadhaar cards
• Bank account details
• Address proof
• Family composition records
• Ration card details
• A signed deprivation declaration

The scheme continues to provide a security deposit-free LPG connection along with a cylinder, regulator, hose pipe, safety booklet, free initial refill and a two-burner stove, helping expand access to clean cooking fuel across rural and low-income households.