Latest news with #MantriUjjwalaYojana
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
West Bengal's role is critical to vision of a developed India, says PM
Inaugurating the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Alipurduar, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (May 29, 2025) that 'the State is essential to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.' 'Bengal's participation is both expected and essential in India's progress to developed status. Bengal's development is a foundational pillar of India's future,' Mr. Modi said while inaugurating the ₹1,010 crore project. The project will benefit about 2.5 lakh households in the State, he added. Mr. Modi pointed out that in 2014 city gas services were available only in 66 districts. Today, the City Gas Distribution network has expanded to over 550 districts across the country. The Prime Minister said that the country has made remarkable advances in the energy sector and is making a rapid transition towards a gas-based economy. 'This is not just a pipeline project. It is also an example of the government's doorstep delivery of schemes. Through this initiative, we will supply clean and more affordable energy to households via a pipeline,' the Prime Minister said. Transition to gas Mr. Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has accelerated India's transition towards a gas-based economy. The Prime Minister said that in 2014, the country had fewer than 14 crore LPG connections. The number of connections has now surpassed 31 crore. Mr. Modi also added that before 2014, India had fewer than 14,000 LPG distributors, which has increased to over 25,000 at present. The expansion has made clean cooking fuel accessible to households across the nation, Mr. Modi said. Observing that West Bengal has been a major center of India's culture, knowledge, and scientific advancements, Mr. Modi asserted that the vision of a developed India cannot be realised without Bengal's growth. The Prime Minister said that over the past decade the Union Government had invested thousands of crores in infrastructure and developmental projects. He emphasised projects such as the Purva Expressway, the Durgapur Expressway, modernisation of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, expansion of the Kolkata Metro, and transformation of the New Jalpaiguri Station. He hoped West Bengal would continue its journey towards development and regain its old glory.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Petrol consumption rises 5%, diesel 4.4% in April; LPG up 6.2%, naphtha down 23.4%
New Delhi: Consumption of petroleum products in the country stood at 20.13 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April 2025, recording a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.2 per cent compared to 20.16 MMT in the same month last year, according to data released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). Petrol consumption increased 5 per cent to 3.45 MMT in April from 3.29 MMT in April 2024. Diesel, which accounts for the largest share in petroleum products consumption, recorded a 4.4 per cent increase to 8.28 MMT, up from 7.93 MMT in April last year. Consumption of LPG rose 6.2 per cent to 2.52 MMT during the month, as against 2.37 MMT in April 2024. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries accounted for 85.5 per cent of the domestic LPG demand in the month. As on April 30, 2025, the number of PMUY beneficiaries stood at 10.33 crore out of 32.99 crore active domestic connections. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) consumption registered a 3.9 per cent increase at 0.77 MMT as compared to 0.74 MMT in April 2024. Bitumen consumption declined 4.7 per cent to 0.80 MMT. Naphtha consumption fell sharply by 23.4 per cent to 0.93 MMT during the month, compared to 1.22 MMT in April 2024, primarily due to lower offtake by petrochemical plants. Furnace oil and low sulphur heavy stock (LSHS) usage dropped 8.8 per cent to 0.48 MMT. Petcoke consumption declined 3.7 per cent to 1.74 MMT from 1.81 MMT in April last year. Kerosene consumption stood at 0.03 MMT, down 3.7 per cent year-on-year. Light diesel oil (LDO) consumption increased 67.8 per cent to 0.086 MMT, attributed to increased demand from the power sector. Natural gas consumption in April 2025 rose 9.1 per cent year-on-year to 5,901 MMSCM. The fertiliser sector accounted for 29 per cent of the total gas consumption, followed by city gas distribution at 21 per cent, power at 12.5 per cent, and refineries at 8 per cent. The report noted that cargo throughput at major ports increased 7.02 per cent during the month, while electricity consumption rose 2.2 per cent to 139.99 billion units. Total highway toll collection for the month was ₹5,371 crore. The PPAC said the overall growth in petroleum products consumption was supported by increases in petrol, diesel, LPG, and ATF, while the decline in naphtha and fuel oil consumption contributed to the marginal dip in total POL demand.>
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
9 crore using LPG scheme, says BJP, hails govt's welfare moves
NEW DELHI: As the launch of 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana' completed nine years this month, BJP on Thursday claimed that the welfare measures of the Modi govt have resulted in empowerment of all sections and buoyancy in Indian economy. Party's spokesperson Tuhin Sinha noted that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, a scheme providing LPG connections to poor households, has provided 10.3 crore connections so far, with nearly nine crore beneficiaries turning out to be sustained users of the programme. 'This negates opposition's claim that many beneficiaries did not opt for refills after utilising the initial free gas cylinders,' Sinha told reporters. The scheme has led to an expansion in the LPG network with 7,959 more distributorships, overwhelmingly in the rural areas, he said, adding that the per capita consumption was 3.9 cylinders. Sinha said the beneficiaries include 1.8 crore in Uttar Pradesh, 1.2 crore in West Bengal and 1.1 crore in Bihar, adding that it shows the wide popularity of the welfare programme that also led to a drop in the country's carbon footprint. He also cited several case studies to assert the scheme led to the mitigation of pulmonary diseases among women.
