Symbolic illustration of energy inequality in India.

Fueling Progress or Just Hot Air? Unpacking India's Ujjwala Yojana Impact

Avery Sinclair in Politics & Policy September 2025 • 4 min read.

"A critical look at the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's effectiveness in bringing clean cooking fuel to Indian households and what the future holds for energy accessibility."

Access to clean energy is a cornerstone of a high-quality life, but a significant portion of the global population still struggles to obtain it. While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 aims for universal access to clean and affordable energy by 2030, persistent inequalities remain, particularly in developing regions where modern cooking fuels are inaccessible for millions. Addressing this gap requires targeted policy interventions, and India's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) stands as a prominent example.

The PMUY, launched to provide clean cooking fuel like LPG to rural and underprivileged households, has garnered attention as a potential solution to energy poverty. The program provides a deposit-free LPG connection to adult women in households, covering the costs of the cylinder, regulator, safety hose, and installation. As of recent reports, the program has reached millions of beneficiaries, making it a large-scale initiative with ambitious goals. However, the program's true impact needs careful examination.

The global energy landscape, marked by surging energy prices and geopolitical events, has further complicated the situation. The increase in LPG prices has severely impacted developing countries, potentially forcing millions back to traditional fuels. This underscores the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of programs like PMUY in ensuring sustained access to clean cooking fuel. This article analyzes the causal impact of the PMUY on LPG consumption in India.

Did PMUY Deliver? Evaluating the LPG Uptake

Symbolic illustration of energy inequality in India.

A recent study critically evaluated the impact of PMUY on LPG accessibility among poor households in India. Utilizing Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences estimators with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) dataset, the analysis revealed a modest 2.1 percentage point increase in LPG consumption due to PMUY. This increase was accompanied by a parallel decrease in firewood consumption, suggesting a shift in fuel usage patterns.

However, the study also revealed significant regional disparities. While the North, West, and South regions of India showed considerable progress, the East and North East regions experienced less pronounced effects. This uneven impact raises questions about the program's uniform effectiveness across diverse regions.

Regional Disparities: Significant progress in the North, West, and South, but less pronounced effects in the East and North East.
Caste-Based Variance: Scheduled Caste households showed the most substantial benefits, while Scheduled Tribes households were hardly affected.
Usage Sustainability: Despite initial success in facilitating LPG access, sustaining its usage remains challenging.

Furthermore, the study highlighted variances across social groups. Scheduled Caste households demonstrated the most substantial benefits, while Scheduled Tribes households were hardly affected. This disparity points to underlying socio-economic factors that influence the program's reach and effectiveness. Despite the initial success in facilitating LPG access, sustaining its usage remains a significant challenge. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, income support, and addressing regional and community-specific disparities to ensure the sustained usage of LPG.

The Path Forward: Policy Recommendations and Future Research

The findings of this study underscore the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing energy poverty in India. While the PMUY has made strides in increasing LPG accessibility, its limited impact and regional disparities call for policy adjustments. Targeted interventions, income support, and addressing community-specific challenges are crucial for ensuring the sustained adoption of clean cooking fuel. Further research is needed to explore the impact of PMUY on respiratory health, time use, and other socio-economic indicators. By addressing the shortcomings and building on the successes of PMUY, India can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable energy future.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the main goal of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in India?

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is to provide clean cooking fuel, specifically LPG, to rural and underprivileged households in India, aiming to combat energy poverty. The program offers deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from these households, covering the cost of the cylinder, regulator, safety hose, and installation. While PMUY aims to address energy poverty by increasing access to clean cooking fuel, its effectiveness varies across regions and social groups, requiring careful evaluation and policy adjustments. However, the broader implications of the program on public health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability are areas of ongoing research and policy interest.

How effective has the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) been in increasing LPG consumption among poor households in India, according to recent studies?

Recent studies, utilizing Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences estimators with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) dataset, indicate that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has led to a modest 2.1 percentage point increase in LPG consumption among poor households in India. This increase is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in firewood consumption. The study also uncovered regional disparities, with some areas experiencing more substantial progress than others. Further investigations are needed to understand the factors limiting the effectiveness of PMUY in certain regions and social groups, and to explore ways to enhance its impact on LPG uptake and sustained usage.

What regional disparities have been observed in the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) across India?

The impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) varies significantly across different regions of India. The North, West, and South regions have shown considerable progress in LPG consumption, while the East and North East regions have experienced less pronounced effects. These regional disparities suggest that the program's effectiveness is influenced by local socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, and cultural practices. Understanding and addressing these regional variations are crucial for tailoring policy interventions and ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits under the PMUY.

Besides regional disparities, what other variances have been observed among social groups in terms of benefits from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

In addition to regional disparities, there are significant variances across social groups regarding the benefits derived from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Scheduled Caste households have shown the most substantial benefits, while Scheduled Tribes households have been hardly affected. This disparity points to underlying socio-economic factors, such as income levels, access to information, and cultural preferences, that influence the program's reach and effectiveness among different social groups. Future policy interventions need to address these socio-economic barriers to ensure that all communities can equally benefit from the PMUY.

What policy recommendations are suggested to improve the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's (PMUY) impact and ensure sustained usage of LPG?

To enhance the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's (PMUY) impact and ensure the sustained usage of LPG, several policy recommendations have been put forth. These include targeted interventions, income support, and addressing community-specific challenges. By providing additional support to vulnerable households, the program can help overcome financial barriers and encourage continued use of LPG. It is also crucial to address regional and community-specific disparities through tailored interventions that consider local contexts and socio-economic conditions. Further research is needed to explore the broader socio-economic and health impacts of PMUY, which can provide valuable insights for policy refinement and program optimization. However, the integration of PMUY with other sustainable energy initiatives, such as promoting biogas or solar cookers, could offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing energy poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.