The Government of India has capped benefits under the Ujjwala scheme, reducing the number of subsidized LPG cylinders available to households [1].
This policy change affects low-income families who rely on the subsidy to afford clean cooking fuel. A reduction in available subsidies may force vulnerable populations to return to traditional, more hazardous fuels or face higher monthly expenses.
Under the new regulations, the annual allotment of subsidized LPG cylinders has been reduced from nine to four per household [1]. The Centre said the cap aligns support with average household consumption patterns. Government officials said the move ensures the targeted delivery of welfare benefits [1].
Critics of the decision argue the cap will increase the financial burden on low-income families. They suggest that the reduction does not account for the diverse needs of larger households, which may require more fuel than the new limit allows, or the volatility of energy prices.
The Ujjwala scheme was designed to provide clean cooking fuel to women and poor households to reduce the health risks associated with smoke from wood or charcoal. By limiting the subsidy, the government aims to optimize the distribution of resources [1]. However, the shift creates a gap for those who cannot afford the market rate for additional cylinders.
“The annual allotment of subsidized LPG cylinders has been reduced from nine to four per household.”
The reduction of Ujjwala benefits represents a shift toward tighter fiscal control over welfare spending. By cutting the subsidy limit by more than half, the Indian government is prioritizing budgetary efficiency and consumption averages over universal access. This may lead to a regression in public health goals if low-income households revert to biomass fuels due to the increased cost of LPG.
