Jammu and Kashmir's Ujjwala Beneficiaries Surpass 12.8 Lakh Mark

Srinagar, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: The Centre on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that all LPG connections provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) remain active, with the number of beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir increasing to 12.81 lakh as of July 1, 2026. This significant milestone underscores the government's commitment to improving access to clean cooking fuel for economically disadvantaged households in the region.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in May 2016, aims to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from economically weaker households. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance the quality of life for women by reducing their dependence on traditional cooking fuels, which are often harmful to health and the environment. The program has expanded to around 10.58 crore beneficiaries across the country, reflecting the government's focus on promoting clean energy and reducing indoor air pollution.

The initiative has been particularly important in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where traditional cooking methods often involve the use of firewood or other biomass sources. These methods not only contribute to deforestation but also expose families, especially women and children, to smoke and other harmful pollutants that can lead to respiratory diseases and other health issues. By providing LPG connections, the Ujjwala scheme aims to mitigate these risks and promote a healthier living environment.

In a detailed reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 734, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi addressed inquiries raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the effectiveness and reach of the PMUY. The minister highlighted the steady increase in the number of connections in Jammu and Kashmir, which rose from 12,30,997 on April 1, 2020, to 12,80,546 by April 1, 2026. This growth indicates a successful outreach and implementation of the scheme in the region, which has historically faced challenges related to access to basic amenities.

Moreover, the Ujjwala scheme has not only facilitated access to clean cooking fuel but has also empowered women by providing them with a greater sense of autonomy. The ability to cook with LPG means that women can spend less time gathering firewood and more time engaging in economic activities, education, or other pursuits that contribute to their personal and community development. This empowerment is critical in fostering gender equality and improving the socio-economic status of families.

The government's report also noted that in neighbouring regions, the number of PMUY connections stood at 11,081 as of April 1, 2026, which shows a slight decline compared to the previous figure of 11,083 recorded in 2020. This fluctuation could be attributed to various factors, including demographic changes, economic conditions, and the effectiveness of local outreach efforts. The slight decrease in connections may signal the need for renewed efforts to engage with communities and ensure that all eligible households are aware of and able to access the benefits of the scheme.

Furthermore, the government conducted a review of refill consumption patterns among PMUY beneficiaries and found that the average annual LPG consumption was 4.71 cylinders per consumer during the fiscal year 2025–26. In light of this data, the government has proposed a targeted subsidy for up to four refills annually, which aims to ensure that the subsidy expenditure is utilized efficiently while still supporting the needs of the beneficiaries. This approach reflects a nuanced understanding of the consumption behavior of beneficiaries and aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for ongoing support.

Minister Suresh Gopi also addressed the impact of international market fluctuations on LPG prices, noting that there had been a significant increase in prices due to the recent West Asia crisis. The Saudi Contract Price reached USD 796 per metric tonne in June 2026, reflecting the volatile nature of global energy markets. Despite these challenges, the government has maintained the retail price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder at Rs 942, ensuring that the burden of rising costs does not disproportionately affect consumers. This decision illustrates the government's commitment to maintaining energy affordability for low-income households, even in the face of external pressures.

To further alleviate the financial strain on PMUY beneficiaries, the government continues to provide a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder. This subsidy effectively reduces the purchase price to Rs 642, making LPG more accessible to low-income households. Additionally, consumers are benefiting from an implicit subsidy through under-recoveries exceeding Rs 500 per cylinder in July 2026, which indicates the government's commitment to keeping LPG affordable amidst fluctuating global prices. The sustained support through subsidies is critical in ensuring that the benefits of the Ujjwala scheme reach the intended beneficiaries without placing an undue financial burden on them.

The state-wise refill data presented in the Lok Sabha revealed important consumption trends among PMUY beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. During the fiscal year 2021–22, it was reported that 1,44,314 PMUY beneficiaries did not purchase any refill, while 8,52,934 availed between one and four refills, and 2,41,599 purchased more than four refills. This data is critical for understanding the usage patterns and needs of beneficiaries, which can inform future policy decisions and adjustments to the PMUY. The high number of beneficiaries who did not purchase any refill raises questions about accessibility and affordability, suggesting that targeted interventions may be necessary to support these individuals.

In neighbouring regions, the data indicated that 696 beneficiaries did not purchase any refill, while 7,573 availed between one and four refills, and 2,830 purchased more than four refills. These figures suggest that while many beneficiaries are utilizing the scheme, there remains a segment of the population that may be struggling to access or afford refills, highlighting the need for ongoing support and outreach efforts. Understanding the barriers faced by these beneficiaries is essential for ensuring that the Ujjwala scheme can fulfill its promise of providing clean cooking fuel to all who need it.

The implications of these findings are significant for policymakers and stakeholders involved in energy access and rural development. The data not only reflects the success of the PMUY in increasing the number of LPG connections but also points to areas where further interventions may be necessary to ensure that all beneficiaries can fully utilize the benefits of the scheme. Additionally, the fluctuations in international LPG prices and their impact on domestic pricing underscore the importance of developing a sustainable and resilient energy policy that can withstand global market changes. Policymakers must remain vigilant in monitoring market trends and adapting strategies to ensure that energy remains affordable and accessible for all.

In conclusion, the increase in Ujjwala beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir to over 12.8 lakh marks a positive step towards improving energy access for economically weaker households. The continued support through targeted subsidies and the government's efforts to maintain retail prices amidst global fluctuations are crucial for ensuring that clean cooking fuel remains accessible to all. As the program evolves, it will be essential to monitor consumption patterns and address any barriers that beneficiaries may face in accessing LPG, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of public health, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment for women in the region. The ongoing success of the Ujjwala scheme will depend on the government's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure that it meets the needs of all beneficiaries, particularly those who are most vulnerable.