In a major update on India’s cooking gas infrastructure, the government announced that the nation now has 25,605 LPG distributors as of early March 2026. Strikingly, over two-thirds—17,677—are strategically placed in rural areas to bridge accessibility gaps.
These outlets are supported by a robust network of 214 bottling plants run by oil marketing giants. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, furnished this data during a Rajya Sabha session, underscoring a decade-long push to penetrate underserved regions.
From April 2016 to February 2026, authorities added 8,037 new distributors, with 7,444 (93%) targeting rural households. This expansion aligns with broader goals of clean cooking fuel adoption.
Consumer safeguards have been bolstered through tech-driven measures. IVRS and SMS-based booking systems alert users on bookings, memos, and deliveries. The innovative DAC system further secures deliveries: a unique code texted to users must be presented to the delivery agent for verification.
Subsidies keep LPG within reach. Rs 22,000 crore was disbursed to OMCs in 2022-23, with Rs 30,000 crore approved for 2025-26. The flagship PMUY has connected 10.56 crore poor households since 2016, offering deposit-free cylinders to women.
Current Delhi pricing stands at Rs 913 for 14.2 kg, but Ujjwala users pay just Rs 613 post-subsidy. India’s energy independence shines through self-sufficiency in petrol and diesel, powered by high-utilization refineries and strategic reserves.
The Petroleum Ministry reaffirms its commitment to seamless LPG availability for essential sectors like residences, healthcare, and education, ensuring no household is left behind.
