What's Behind The Ujjwala Gas Subsidy Cut? Govt Points To LPG Diversion Racket
What's Behind The Ujjwala Gas Subsidy Cut? Govt Points To LPG Diversion Racket Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 10:29 IST Sources said, the
What's Behind The Ujjwala Gas Subsidy Cut? Govt Points To LPG Diversion Racket Published By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 10:29 IST Sources said, the Ujjwala gas cylinder cap decision has been taken to prevent misuse of the scheme and stop the diversion of subsidised cylinders meant for beneficiaries. Women beneficiaries stand in a queue after they received LPG connection during the inauguration of 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)' in the state of West Bengal, in Kolkata on Sunday. (PTI Photo) The government on Tuesday has clarified its decision to reduce the number of subsidised LPG refills available under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana from nine to four annually. According to sources quoted by CNN-News18, the move has been taken to prevent misuse of the scheme and stop the diversion of subsidised cylinders meant for beneficiaries. The government has pointed out that the average number of annual refills availed by Ujjwala consumers is four.
Officials said the revised subsidy cap has been designed around actual usage patterns of beneficiaries. Concern over diversion of cylinders Government sources said investigations revealed that some unscrupulous elements were allegedly diverting subsidised LPG cylinders obtained under the Ujjwala scheme for commercial purposes. According to officials, these individuals were claiming up to nine subsidised refills in the name of Ujjwala beneficiaries and then using or selling the cylinders outside the intended domestic purpose. The government believes this led to leakage within the subsidy system and reduced the effectiveness of the welfare programme. To address the issue, the subsidy component has now been restricted to four refills per year. Consumers can still buy additional cylinders Sources clarified that the decision does not restrict the number of LPG cylinders that Ujjwala beneficiaries can purchase. Consumers will continue to be free to obtain as many cylinders as they require throughout the year.
However, the subsidy amount credited to their bank accounts will now be limited to the first four refills. Officials stressed that the measure is aimed solely at preventing diversion and plugging loopholes in the subsidy mechanism. Government cites average consumption data The government has maintained that the revised cap reflects the average consumption pattern of Ujjwala households. With the average beneficiary reportedly using around four refills annually, officials argue that the change will have limited impact on most consumers while helping authorities tackle misuse. According to sources, the objective is to ensure that subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries and are not diverted for commercial gains. The government has described the move as a step towards reducing leakage in the system while continuing to provide LPG access to eligible Ujjwala consumers. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18.
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