Piped gas to reach every household under PM Ujjwala Scheme; target set for 12.5 cr connections by 2030

The PM Ujjwala Yojana, launched by the Centre in 2016, has successfully reached 10.27 crore beneficiaries.

The PM Ujjwala Yojana, initiated by the central government in 2016, aimed to provide clean cooking fuel to rural and underprivileged households through gas connections. The focus has, however, now shifted towards supplying piped gas to every household.

With 10.27 crore beneficiaries reached under the Ujjwala scheme, the transition to piped gas will ensure consistent access to clean cooking energy. The objective is to achieve 12.5 crore piped natural gas (PNG) connections by 2030, covering both rural and urban areas.

As of March, official data indicates a total of 1.21 crore domestic PNG connections across the country. By January, approximately 10,000 km of gas pipeline had been laid. These figures represent a substantial improvement from 2014 when only around 25 lakh households had piped gas, primarily in urban areas.

In India, access to clean cooking gas is limited for the poor, leading to reliance on harmful alternatives like coal, wood, and cow dung for cooking. Previously, LPG cylinders were predominantly accessible to urban and semi-urban areas among higher-income groups.

Piped gas offers convenience by eliminating the need for handling, refilling, and changing cylinders. It also proves to be more cost-effective by reducing transportation expenses and enhances safety. Additionally, it ensures a consistent gas supply, eliminating concerns about running out of gas during odd hours.

The expansion of the city gas distribution network, which includes providing PNG connections, is conducted by authorised entities based on targets outlined in the minimum work programme (MWP) set by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) and considering techno-commercial feasibility.

As of May 2023, approximately 300 geographical areas covering nearly 98 percent of the population and 88 percent of the total geographical area, spanning around 630 districts in 28 states/UTs, including rural regions, have been authorised by the PNGRB.

These authorised entities are tasked with providing around 12.5 crore PNG connections by 2030, encompassing both rural and urban areas, as stipulated by the MWP targets. Additionally, these entities cater to the demand for natural gas, supplying it to customers, including industrial and commercial sectors, based on demand and techno-commercial viability.