Bringing relief to households across India, the central government has announced a reduction of Rs 200 in the price of LPG cylinders. During a press briefing on the union cabinet’s decision, Anurag Singh Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted that this step is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift to the women of the country on the occasions of Onam and Raksha Bandhan. The cabinet meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Modi.
Starting from Wednesday, the cost of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder will be lowered by Rs 200 nationwide. For instance, in Delhi, this reduction will decrease the cost of a 14.2 kg cylinder from the current Rs 1,103 per cylinder to Rs 903.
This reduction is in addition to the ongoing targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per cylinder for Ujjwala households, which will remain unchanged. Consequently, after this reduction, Ujjwala beneficiaries in Delhi will pay an effective price of Rs 703.
It’s important to note that the country has over 31 crore domestic LPG consumers, including 9.6 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur underscored the government’s commitment to uplift women through various initiatives, such as providing durable housing, sanitation facilities, additional food supplies, and Direct Benefit Transfer during the Covid pandemic.
India depends on imports to meet 60 per cent of its natural gas requirements.
To expedite pending Ujjwala applications and extend deposit-free LPG connections to eligible households, the government plans to distribute PMUY connections to 75 lakh women from economically disadvantaged households. This move will increase the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.
The government emphasized that these decisions are part of its ongoing efforts to ease financial burdens on citizens and enhance household welfare.
Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “We recognize the financial challenges faced by households in managing their budgets. The reduction in cooking gas prices is designed to directly alleviate the financial strain on families and individuals, while also contributing to the government’s overarching aim of ensuring affordable access to essential commodities.”
