LPG consumption soars to record highs; Check what data says

New Delhi: India's embrace of clean cooking energy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption shattering all previous records. According to the latest figures released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Power, the nation's households consumed a staggering 31.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) of LPG in the fiscal year 2024-25.

This surge isn't just a testament to escalating consumer demand but also a powerful indicator of a nationwide paradigm shift towards safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly culinary practices.

The trajectory of LPG adoption in India over the past two decades is nothing short of remarkable. From a modest 10.2 MMT in 2004-05, consumption climbed to 16.3 MMT by 2013-14. However, the true inflexion point arrived in the last decade, witnessing an explosive growth that more than doubled the 2013-14 figures to reach the current 31.3 MMT mark, nearly tripling the consumption seen at the turn of the millennium.

The drivers behind the boom

Several strategic initiatives spearheaded by the Modi government are credited with fueling this extraordinary expansion. Paramount among them is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a flagship scheme that has brought clean cooking fuel to the doorsteps of millions in rural and economically weaker sections.

Beyond targeted subsidies, a robust overhaul of the country's LPG supply chain has played a critical role. Enhanced refinery capacities, strategically located larger storage warehouses, and a vastly improved distribution network have collectively ensured easier access and better availability of LPG refills across the vast expanse of India. This strengthened infrastructure has been instrumental in meeting the burgeoning demand efficiently.

Affordability remains a key factor in sustained adoption. While domestic LPG cylinder prices have remained stable this month, offering predictability to household budgets, commercial consumers have received a welcome respite. For the second consecutive month, the price of 19 kg commercial gas cylinders has seen a cut of Rs 10 across India's four major metropolitan cities, effective from the first of the month.

Following this reduction, a commercial LPG cylinder now costs Rs 1,580.50 in the national capital Delhi and Rs 1,684 in Kolkata. In Mumbai and Chennai, where the reduction was Rs 10.5, prices now stand at Rs 1,531.50 and Rs 1,739.50 respectively. This dual approach of ensuring stable domestic prices while easing the burden on commercial establishments further supports the widespread integration of LPG into the nation's energy mix.

The Modi government of the country has launched many schemes in recent years to promote LPG connections, which has accelerated the connection and also increased consumption. The biggest scheme is the Ujjwala scheme. With this scheme, a large number of rural and economically weaker sections were connected to LPG. Second, the supply chain of LPG in the country has become much stronger than before. The availability of refills has become easier due to increased refinery capacity, larger warehouses, and better distribution networks.

Due to the availability of gas at a lower rate, there is an increase in consumption. Although there has been no change in the prices of domestic gas cylinders this month, the prices of commercial gas have definitely come down. According to IOCL, the price of 19 kg commercial gas cylinder has been cut by Rs 10 in the four metros from the first of the month. For the second consecutive month, commercial cylinders have become cheaper.

After the reduction, the price of LPG in the country's capital Delhi was Rs 1,580.50 and in Kolkata it was Rs 1,684. On the other hand, commercial gas cylinders in Mumbai and Chennai have been reduced by Rs 10.5. After which the prices of commercial gas cylinders in both metros have been Rs 1,531.50 and Rs 1,739.50.