In a major move to provide relief to low-income households, the government has rolled out a new scheme under which selected beneficiaries can get LPG gas cylinders for just ₹500. This is a significant cut from the current market price of LPG cylinders, which usually ranges between ₹1000 to ₹1100.
This subsidy is mainly targeted at beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and other economically weaker sections. Let’s explore the full details of this initiative, who can get the ₹500 LPG cylinder, and how to apply.
🔍 Why the ₹500 LPG Cylinder Scheme Was Launched?
Over the last few years, LPG cylinder prices have steadily risen, placing an increasing financial burden on poor and middle-class families. Many women, especially in rural areas, were forced to revert to traditional methods of cooking using firewood or cow dung, leading to health risks and environmental damage.
To tackle this issue, both the central government and various state governments have launched schemes offering LPG cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹500 for eligible families. The goal is to make clean fuel accessible and affordable to all.
🎯 Objective of the Scheme
- Provide affordable cooking gas to poor families
- Reduce dependence on polluting fuels like wood and coal
- Improve the health and safety of women
- Encourage the use of clean and sustainable energy
- Offer economic relief to financially weaker sections
✅ Who Is Eligible to Get LPG Gas Cylinder for ₹500?
Not everyone can avail this offer. It is reserved for selected sections of society under government schemes. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
📌 Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a registered beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category or possess a valid ration card
- The LPG connection should be in the name of a woman in the household
- Applicant must possess valid Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and ration card
- In some states, Antyodaya cardholders and women under state-run welfare schemes are also eligible
📦 Benefits of the ₹500 LPG Cylinder Scheme
This initiative comes with several benefits for poor families:
🔹 Subsidized Cylinder Price
Beneficiaries will receive LPG cylinders at ₹500 per unit, up to 12 cylinders per year.
🔹 Direct Bank Transfer of Subsidy
The subsidy difference (market price – ₹500) will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s linked bank account.
🔹 Free Connection for New Users
Those applying for the first time under PMUY will get a free gas connection, one free cylinder, stove, and hose pipe.
📝 How to Apply for the Scheme?
✅ If You Are Already a PMUY Beneficiary:
- Visit your LPG distributor or agency
- Ask for a refill under the ₹500 cylinder scheme
- Book your cylinder through the MyLPG portal, app, or IVRS
- Pay ₹500 at the time of delivery
- Subsidy will be credited to your bank account within 5–7 working days
✅ If You Want to Apply as a New Beneficiary:
- Visit the nearest LPG distributor
- Fill the PMUY application form
- Submit copies of Aadhaar card, ration card, and bank passbook
- If eligible, the connection will be provided under the ₹500 scheme
- Once connection is active, you will be able to refill cylinders at ₹500
🌍 States Where ₹500 Gas Cylinder Scheme Is Active
While PMUY is a central government scheme, some state governments have added extra subsidies, ensuring even more affordability:
🏛️ State-Level Implementations:
- Rajasthan: Offers ₹500 cylinders to all PMUY beneficiaries
- Chhattisgarh: Antyodaya cardholders get LPG at ₹500
- Madhya Pradesh: Ladli Behna Yojana beneficiaries eligible
- Jharkhand & Odisha: Similar relief under state-run welfare schemes
📊 LPG Subsidy vs. Actual Price – A Quick Look
| Market Price of LPG | Subsidized Price | Who Pays the Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1100 (approx.) | ₹500 | Central/State Government |
Thus, the government bears a ₹600+ subsidy per cylinder, directly benefiting the underprivileged.
⚠️ Important Points to Note
- Subsidy is available only for eligible households
- Cylinders will be limited to 12 per year per family
- Bank account should be linked with Aadhaar for subsidy credit
- Refill booking must be done through authorized methods
- Any misuse of the scheme could lead to cancellation of subsidy benefits
👩👧 How the Scheme Empowers Women
- Women are the primary beneficiaries of PMUY
- Reduces the burden of collecting firewood
- Saves time and improves safety in cooking
- Reduces exposure to smoke-related diseases
- Promotes dignity and better living standards in rural households
💬 Final Words
The ₹500 LPG Gas Cylinder Scheme is not just a subsidy—it’s a lifeline for millions of poor families in India. In a time where inflation is pinching every household, such a scheme is a welcome relief, especially for women who handle the kitchen and family budget.
If you or someone you know qualifies under this scheme, make sure to register or update your details today. A safer, cleaner, and more affordable kitchen is now within reach — thanks to the government’s initiative.
“Don’t miss out on this opportunity. A healthy home begins with a smoke-free kitchen!”
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