From Access to Adoption: How Ujjwala Is Changing India’s Cooking Habits

India’s clean cooking story isn’t just about giving gas connections. It’s about whether families actually use them. New data from the government shows that Ujjwala has crossed that critical test. Here’s what you need to know.

What did the government announce?

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that 10.4 crore Ujjwala households are now driving a sharp rise in LPG usage, signalling a behavioural shift toward clean cooking rather than just symbolic access.

Why is usage more important than connections?

Because access alone doesn’t change lives, but regular refills do. The success of clean cooking depends on whether households consistently replace traditional fuels with LPG for daily use.

How large is India’s LPG network today?

India now operates a massive LPG ecosystem with 33 crore connections nationwide, making it one of the largest clean cooking networks in the world.

How many households has Ujjwala reached?

Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), LPG access has been provided to 10.41 crore households, with the government close to achieving its target of 10.60 crore connections.

What do refill numbers show?

Refill data points to sustained adoption. Look at the numbers. First, 276 crore LPG refills delivered to PMUY households so far. In FY25, an average of 13.6 lakh refills are delivered daily to Ujjwala families. Across India, over 55 lakh LPG cylinders are delivered every day

Has household consumption actually increased?

Yes. Average LPG usage per family has risen from 3 cylinders to 4.85 cylinders, indicating that LPG is becoming part of everyday cooking rather than an occasional alternative.

Why does this shift matter?

According to the minister, this reflects the creation of “everyday infrastructure delivering dignity at scale.” The move away from firewood and traditional fuels improves health outcomes, reduces indoor pollution, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable cooking ecosystem.

What is Ujjwala and what does it offer?

Launched in May 2016, PMUY provides deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households. Under Ujjwala 2.0, beneficiaries also receive a free first refill, a free stove and coverage for installation and safety equipment.

(ANI and yMedia are content partners for this story)