The Indian government has announced a reduction in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for domestic use by Rs 200 per cylinder, marking an 18% decrease in the price of a 14.2-kg cooking gas cylinder. Union Minister Anurag Thakur made the announcement, stating that the decision will benefit millions of low-income families in India, especially ahead of crucial state elections this year and the general election in 2024.
Despite strong inflation, cooking gas prices are falling. Enhanced subsidies will cost Rs 4,000 crore more than the Rs 7,600 crore budgeted for the current financial year due to the government's decision.
In Delhi, the price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now be reduced from Rs 1,103 to Rs 903, while in Mumbai, the price will decrease from Rs 1,102.50 to Rs 902.50. Additionally, beneficiaries of the government's Ujjwala Yojana will receive a further reduction of Rs. 400 per cylinder. This means that the price of an LPG cylinder for Ujjwala beneficiaries will be Rs 703 in Delhi and Rs 702.50 in Mumbai.
The Ujjwala Yojana, launched in May 2016, aims to provide clean cooking fuel access to economically disadvantaged women, particularly those living below the poverty threshold. The initiative seeks to replace traditional cooking techniques that rely on solid fuels like wood, coal, and biomass with the safer and cleaner option of LPG.
Thakur highlighted that, since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently made decisions in support of women and their empowerment. Over 9.6 crore women have benefited from the Ujjwala Yojana, and as a further step, 75 lakh new gas connections will be set up free of cost under the programme.
The reduction in LPG cylinder prices and the expansion of the Ujjwala Yojana will provide significant relief to low-income households, particularly women, by making clean cooking fuel more affordable and accessible. This move by the government is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people and contribute to their overall well-being.
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