The Indian government has taken major steps to ensure cleaner energy access, significantly reducing the use of kerosene while promoting LPG for cooking and electricity for lighting.
Since March 1, 2020, the retail price of PDS Kerosene has been kept at zero under-recovery across India. Over the years, several states have voluntarily surrendered their PDS Kerosene quotas, with 13 states becoming kerosene-free by 2023-24. This move is part of India’s broader clean energy push, ensuring households switch to cleaner and safer alternatives.
To help low-income families transition to LPG, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in 2016. More than 10.33 crore households have benefited from the scheme. To make LPG more affordable, the government has been providing a targeted subsidy, which was increased to ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder in October 2023. With this subsidy, Ujjwala beneficiaries in Delhi can now get an LPG cylinder for just ₹503.
For lighting, India has achieved near universal electricity access through schemes like Saubhagya and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). This means fewer families are dependent on kerosene lamps, further reducing air pollution.
India’s commitment to clean energy extends globally. As a founding member of the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance, the country is leading efforts to promote renewable energy and alternative fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and compressed bio-gas.
To spread awareness about LPG usage, the government has launched mass campaigns, LPG melas, and awareness drives in rural areas. It has also simplified LPG access for migrant workers by allowing self-declaration instead of requiring address proof.
Thanks to these efforts, India’s LPG coverage has jumped from 62% in 2016 to near saturation today, marking a huge step towards a cleaner and healthier future.
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