Hardeep S Puri chairs Consultative Committee Meeting on Petroleum & Natural Gas

Hardeep Singh Puri, while chairing the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Manesar, Haryana, highlighted India's remarkable progress in energy affordability, access, and infrastructure development. He underscored the government’s proactive measures in stabilizing fuel prices, expanding LPG coverage, and boosting refining and distribution capacity across the country. Shri Puri reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive and consumer-focused energy policies.

Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi also attended the meeting, which witnessed robust participation from 27 Members of Parliament. The MPs shared insightful suggestions and feedback on key issues including fuel affordability, LPG access, regional infrastructure disparities, and energy resilience.

The Minister Hardeep Singh Puri elaborated on how under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri 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.

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% 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% in rural areas, ensuring deep last-mile reach.