Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, chairing a Consultative Committee meeting in Manesar, Haryana, highlighted significant efforts to stabilise fuel prices and enhance energy accessibility. He noted that Indian oil companies reported a loss of Rs 40,000 crore last year to maintain affordable LPG prices, underscoring the government’s proactive measures in this regard. Minister Puri emphasised the expansion of LPG coverage, boosting refining capacities, and enhancing distribution networks across the country.
The meeting, attended by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi and 27 Members of Parliament (MPs), saw discussions on key issues including fuel affordability, LPG accessibility, regional infrastructure development, and energy resilience. Minister Puri commended India’s ability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to navigate global energy challenges while ensuring energy affordability for citizens.
Highlighting the success of initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Puri noted a significant increase in LPG coverage, now almost universally accessible. Despite a 58% rise in international LPG prices, he pointed out that LPG prices in India remain among the lowest globally. He highlighted that PMUY consumers now pay Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, a considerable reduction from previous costs.
The meeting also acknowledged India’s robust marketing infrastructure, including over 24,000 km of product pipelines, 314 oil terminals/depots, and nearly 96,000 retail outlets. These developments, along with strategic reserves and LPG caverns, have bolstered the country’s energy resilience.
MPs praised the government’s balanced approach in blending consumer welfare with fiscal discipline and global diplomatic agility. They emphasised the importance of parliamentary dialogue in shaping inclusive energy policies and expressed support for expanding outreach and improving implementation at the grassroots level.
