Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2026: Government Reduces Subsidized LPG Cylinders from 9 to 4: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), one of India’s most successful social welfare schemes, has undergone a significant change in 2026. The Government of India has reduced the number of subsidized LPG cylinders available to PMUY beneficiaries from nine cylinders per year to four cylinders per year.
While the subsidy amount of ₹300 per cylinder remains unchanged, the new policy is expected to affect more than 10 crore beneficiary households across the country. The decision comes amid rising global LPG prices and increasing subsidy costs.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, with the objective of providing clean cooking fuel to women from economically weaker households.
The scheme aims to:
- Promote the use of clean cooking fuel.
- Reduce indoor air pollution.
- Improve women’s health and safety.
- Eliminate dependence on firewood, coal, and traditional fuels.
- Enhance the quality of life in rural and poor households.
As of May 2026, more than 10.55 crore LPG connections have been released under the scheme, making it one of the world’s largest clean cooking fuel programs.
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Latest PMUY Update 2026
In June 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced that PMUY beneficiaries will now receive subsidy benefits on only four LPG refills annually instead of nine.
Key Changes
| Feature | Previous Rule | New Rule (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidized LPG Cylinders | 9 per year | 4 per year |
| Subsidy Amount | ₹300 per cylinder | ₹300 per cylinder |
| Annual Maximum Subsidy | ₹2,700 | ₹1,200 |
| Beneficiaries | 10+ crore households | 10+ crore households |
The government stated that the revised quota aligns with the average annual LPG consumption of PMUY households.
Why Has the Government Reduced the Subsidy Quota?
According to government officials, several factors influenced the decision:
1. Rising Global LPG Prices
India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements. International LPG prices have increased substantially in recent months, putting pressure on government finances.
2. Higher Subsidy Burden
The government continues to provide a targeted subsidy directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Reducing the number of subsidized cylinders helps control subsidy expenditure while maintaining support for vulnerable families.
3. Consumption Data
Official data indicates that the average PMUY household consumes around four to five LPG cylinders annually. The government believes that a four-cylinder subsidy limit better reflects actual usage patterns.
Current LPG Prices
Domestic LPG prices have also increased recently. Following the latest price revision, the retail price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi has reached approximately ₹942.
For PMUY beneficiaries, after receiving the ₹300 subsidy, the effective cost is around ₹642 per cylinder.
Benefits Available Under PMUY
Eligible beneficiaries continue to receive:
- Deposit-free LPG connection
- LPG cylinder
- Pressure regulator
- LPG hose
- Installation assistance
- Direct subsidy transfer to bank accounts
Under Ujjwala 2.0, eligible beneficiaries may also receive the first refill and stove support as per applicable guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for PMUY, an applicant must.
- Be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- Belong to an eligible poor household.
- Not already possess an LPG connection in the household.
- Have valid identification and address proof.
How to Apply for PMUY?
Applicants can apply through:
- Official PMUY Portal
- Nearest LPG distributor
- Indane Gas offices
- Bharat Gas distributors
- HP Gas distributors
Applicants must submit Aadhaar details, bank account information, address proof, and other required documents.
Impact on Beneficiaries
The reduction in subsidized refills may increase annual cooking fuel expenses for some households. Families consuming more than four cylinders annually will need to purchase additional refills at market prices.
However, the government maintains that the revised limit is based on actual consumption patterns and allows subsidy support to continue for the majority of beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has transformed the lives of millions of Indian families by providing access to clean cooking fuel. While the government’s decision to reduce subsidized LPG refills from nine to four marks a significant policy shift, the ₹300 subsidy per cylinder remains intact.
Beneficiaries should stay informed about the latest guidelines and ensure that their Aadhaar and bank details are updated to continue receiving subsidy benefits without interruption.
FAQs
What is the latest update in PM Ujjwala Yojana 2026?
The government has reduced subsidized LPG refills from 9 cylinders to 4 cylinders per year while retaining the ₹300 subsidy per cylinder.
How much subsidy is available under PMUY?
How much subsidy is available under PMUY?
How many LPG connections have been provided under PMUY?
More than 10.55 crore LPG connections have been released under the scheme as of May 2026.
How much subsidy is available under PMUY?
Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹300 subsidy on each eligible LPG refill.
Is the subsidy amount reduced?
No. The subsidy amount remains ₹300 per cylinder.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched on May 1, 2016.