Distribution handicaps a hurdle for Centre's LPG Ujjwala scheme

After the success of PMUY, LPG coverage in India increased from 56% in 2014 to 94.3% by April 2019

The slow pace on the part of state-run oil-marketing firms (OMCs) in giving cooking gas distributorships, as well as new distributors not being allowed to serve customers more than 15 km away, is affecting the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The government in June asked LPG distributors to serve only those who fell within 15 km. For any customer beyond this limit, a distributor has to take permission from the district administration. 

“Our per capita distribution has declined because the number of PMUY refills is as low as 3 per year. Hence, we have suggested that all customers beyond 15 km