On May 23, 2025, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, chaired the Consultative Committee Meeting in Manesar, Haryana, to discuss India’s progress in energy affordability, access, and infrastructure development. The meeting, attended by 27 Members of Parliament, highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure a consumer-focused and resilient energy sector.
Energy Affordability and Stability
Navigating Global Challenges
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the government’s success in maintaining fuel price stability despite global challenges. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India reduced excise duties on November 4, 2021, and May 22, 2022, lowering petrol prices by Rs 13/litre and diesel by Rs 16/litre. A price hike in April 2025 was absorbed by Oil Marketing Companies, protecting consumers from additional costs.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Transforming LPG Access
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has revolutionized LPG access, increasing coverage from 55% in 2014 to nearly universal access today. With over 25,000 LPG distributors, 86% in rural areas, daily deliveries exceed 56 lakh cylinders. Despite a 58% rise in global LPG prices, PMUY beneficiaries pay only Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, compared to Rs 853 for regular consumers.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| LPG Coverage | From 55% in 2014 to near-universal access in 2025 |
| LPG Distributors | Over 25,000, with 86% in rural areas |
| LPG Prices | Rs 553 for PMUY beneficiaries; Rs 853 for regular consumers |
| Daily Cooking Cost | Rs 6.8 for PMUY households; Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users |
Energy Infrastructure Growth
Strengthening Resilience
India’s energy infrastructure has expanded significantly, with 24,000 km of product pipelines, 314 oil terminals/depots, and 96,000 retail outlets. Strategic reserves and LPG caverns have further enhanced energy resilience, ensuring a robust supply chain to meet the country’s growing energy demands.
Parliamentary Engagement
Shaping Inclusive Policies
The meeting saw active participation from MPs, including Minister of State Shri Suresh Gopi, who provided valuable feedback on fuel affordability, LPG access, and regional infrastructure disparities. The MPs lauded the government’s balanced approach, combining consumer welfare, fiscal discipline, and global diplomacy. Their inputs are set to shape future inclusive energy policies.
Key Highlights
- The Consultative Committee Meeting was held on May 23, 2025, chaired by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri in Manesar, Haryana.
- Excise duties reduced on November 4, 2021, and May 22, 2022, lowering petrol by Rs 13/litre and diesel by Rs 16/litre.
- PMUY expanded LPG coverage from 55% in 2014 to near-universal access, with 25,000 distributors.
- LPG prices kept affordable at Rs 553 for PMUY beneficiaries despite global price hikes.
- Energy infrastructure includes 24,000 km of pipelines and 96,000 retail outlets for enhanced resilience.