Oil companies incurred Rs 40,000-cr loss to keep LPG prices affordable last year: Puri

New Delhi: Oil companies have incurred a loss of Rs 40,000 crore last year to keep LPG prices affordable, said Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday while chairing the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Manesar, Haryana. He underscored the government’s proactive measures in stabilising fuel prices, expanding LPG coverage, and boosting refining and distribution capacity across the country. Puri reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive and consumer-focused energy policies.

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The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi and 27 Members of Parliament (MPs). The MPs shared insightful suggestions and feedback on key issues including fuel affordability, LPG access, regional infrastructure disparities, and energy resilience.

India has navigated geopolitical adversities effectively: Puri

Puri elaborated on how under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India was able to successfully navigate geopolitical adversities to ensure affordability and availability of energy for citizens without any shortage. He noted, when the fuel prices were skyrocketing all over the world, India was the only country where the prices came down. “Notably, the government reduced excise duties twice—on 4 Nov 2021 and 22 May 2022—slashing petrol by Rs 13/litre and diesel by Rs 16/litre. A recent hike in April 2025 was absorbed by Oil Marketing Companies, protecting consumers from additional burden,” he said.

LPG reforms

Highlighting LPG reforms, the minister detailed the transformational impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Since its inception, LPG coverage has soared from 55 percent in 2014 to nearly universal access today. LPG consumption rose significantly, with daily deliveries exceeding 56 lakh cylinders. Over 25,000 LPG distributors now operate across the country, 86 percent in rural areas, ensuring deep last-mile reach.

Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58 percent increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay only Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder.

A cylinder costing approximately Rs 1,058 is being provided to PMUY beneficiaries at just Rs 553. For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853. As a result, the per-day cooking cost comes to around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users.

LPG prices in India among lowest globally: Puri

Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58 percent increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder—39 percent less than the Rs 903 they paid in July 2023. Oil companies have incurred Rs 40,000 crore loss last year in order to keep LPG prices low. Cylinder of approximately Rs 1,058 cost is being sold at Rs 553 to Ujjwala consumers. For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853. The per-day cooking cost is now around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users.

Marketing infrastructure has seen robust growth: India now operates over 24,000 km of product pipelines, 314 oil terminals/depots, and nearly 96,000 retail outlets. These advancements, along with strategic reserves and LPG caverns, have bolstered energy resilience.

MPs lauded the government’s balanced approach, blending consumer welfare, fiscal discipline, and global diplomatic agility. The meeting reflected the increasing depth of parliamentary dialogue on energy, with active participation shaping future policy directions.

Their engagement underscored the importance of parliamentary dialogue in shaping inclusive energy policies. The government welcomed the inputs and reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating them into future planning. The participating MPs acknowledged the ministry’s achievements, shared their views and expressed support for expanding outreach and improving implementation at the grassroots level.

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