Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 2026: Latest Updates on Eligibility, LPG Subsidy, Benefits & How to Apply
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship central government scheme launched to provide clean cooking fuel to women from economically weaker households. The scheme aims to replace traditional fuels such as firewood, coal, and dung cakes with LPG, reducing indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes, particularly for women and children.
Launched on 1 May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, PMUY has become one of India’s largest clean energy initiatives. Ujjwala 2.0 was introduced on 10 August 2021 with additional features, including support for migrant families. As of early August 2026, more than 10.5 crore LPG connections have been released under the scheme.
Official Website: https://pmuy.gov.in/
Key Highlights of PMUY (2026)
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Oil Marketing Companies: Indian Oil (Indane), Bharat Petroleum (Bharat Gas), and Hindustan Petroleum (HP Gas)
- Application Mode: Online and offline
- Connection Issued In: Name of an adult woman of the household
- Current Status: Ongoing scheme with continuous release of new connections
Latest LPG Subsidy Update (June 2026)
The government provides a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder.
Important change in 2026: The subsidy is now available only on the first 4 refills in a financial year (reduced from 9 earlier). This translates to a maximum annual direct benefit of ₹1,200 per household.
The revision aligns with average consumption patterns among PMUY beneficiaries (around 4–5 cylinders per year). Beneficiaries continue to receive the subsidy via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their linked bank accounts. General consumers and PMUY households also benefit from the controlled retail price of domestic LPG, which remains significantly lower than the market-determined cost.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a new connection under PMUY / Ujjwala 2.0:
- The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- The household must not already have an LPG connection from any oil marketing company.
- The woman must belong to a poor household and submit a deprivation declaration in the prescribed format.
Special provisions exist for migrant families (self-declaration of address and family composition is accepted).
Benefits of PMUY
- Free LPG connection (security deposit waived)
- Free first refill and free two-burner stove (under Ujjwala 2.0)
- Pressure regulator, Suraksha hose, and Domestic Gas Consumer Card included
- Connection issued in the woman’s name, supporting financial inclusion and empowerment
- Reduced exposure to harmful kitchen smoke
- Access to cleaner cooking fuel, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Targeted subsidy support on eligible refills
Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Aadhaar card of the applicant (and adult family members listed in the family document)
- Proof of address (if different from Aadhaar)
- Ration card or other state government document showing family composition (or self-declaration for migrants)
- Bank account details / passbook copy or cancelled cheque (for DBT)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Filled KYC / application form and deprivation declaration
Exact requirements may vary slightly by distributor. Always confirm with the selected LPG distributor or the official portal.
How to Apply for PMUY Connection
Online Method
- Visit the official website: https://pmuy.gov.in/
- Select the option for new Ujjwala / PMUY 2.0 connection.
- Choose your preferred oil company (Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas).
- Fill in the required details, upload documents, and complete the process.
- You can also apply through Common Service Centres (CSC) for a nominal fee.
Offline Method
- Visit the nearest LPG distributor of Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas.
- Collect and fill the KYC application form.
- Submit the form along with the required documents.
- The distributor will verify the details and process the application.
Once approved, the free connection (cylinder, regulator, stove, etc.) is released and installed.
Application Status & Subsidy Tracking
- Track new connection status through the respective oil company’s portal or by contacting the distributor.
- Subsidy (₹300) is credited directly to the linked bank account after eligible refills.
- For consumer-related queries, use the official LPG portals or helplines provided by the oil companies.
Growth and Achievements
PMUY has significantly expanded LPG coverage across India. National LPG coverage rose from around 62% in 2016 to near-universal levels. The scheme has also strengthened distribution infrastructure, with a large increase in rural distributors and bottling capacity.
Average refill consumption among PMUY households has improved over the years, reflecting better sustained usage of clean cooking fuel.
Challenges Noted
While the scheme has transformed access to clean fuel, some beneficiaries face issues with the cost of subsequent refills after the subsidised quota. Continued awareness and support remain important to maintain regular usage and prevent a return to traditional fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
It is a government scheme that provides deposit-free LPG connections to eligible adult women from poor households to promote clean cooking fuel.
2. When was PMUY launched?
1 May 2016. Ujjwala 2.0 was launched on 10 August 2021.
3. Who can apply?
Adult women (18+) from poor households that do not already have an LPG connection.
4. Is the connection completely free?
Yes. Beneficiaries receive a deposit-free connection, free first refill, and free stove under the current guidelines. No payment is required for the initial setup.
5. How much is the current LPG subsidy?
₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder on the first 4 refills in a year (as of the June 2026 update).
6. Is there a last date to apply?
No fixed last date has been announced. Eligible women can apply as per the latest guidelines of the oil marketing companies and the government.
7. Where can I get official information?
Visit the official portal: https://pmuy.gov.in/
Note: Scheme guidelines, subsidy details, and application processes can be updated by the government. Always verify the latest information on the official PMUY website or through authorised LPG distributors before applying.
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