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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Clean energy empowering women under PM Modi's leadership: Hardeep Puri
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's energy landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation - where access to clean fuel is driving empowerment, especially for women, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday. Under PM Modi's vision, 10.33 crore women have been provided dignity and ease through LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a landmark initiative in India's clean energy journey, the minister said in a post on X social media platform. In addition, 1.51 crore homes now have piped natural gas (PNG) connected, and the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network serves 96 per cent of the nation's land and 99 per cent of its population, further increasing access to energy. Women have taken on leadership positions in the energy industry, receiving training and working in biogas plants , retail fuel stores, and LPG distribution. 42,800 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG) were purchased in FY 2024-2025 as part of the ongoing effort to promote green energy, according to the minister. "Today, the Indian woman is not just a beneficiary-she is a leader in shaping the nation's energy future," the petroleum minister said. In addition to providing millions of people with cleaner fuel, the union government initiative for energy access has sparked social and economic empowerment, especially for women. Earlier, the minister had said that India is taking steady, confident steps towards oil self-sufficiency and, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the country is securing its energy future, step by step. According to the minister, 99 per cent of the "No-Go" areas have been cleared, even though a 1 million square kilometre offshore area is now open for oilfield exploration. Energy companies both domestically and internationally have already expressed interest in the oil and gas blocks available under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP), and Round X is anticipated to establish new standards for investment and participation.
Malaysia Sun
19-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
"Over 10.33 crore women got LPG connections under PM Ujjwala scheme": Hardeep Singh Puri
Durgapur (West Bengal) [India], July 19 (ANI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that over 10.33 crore women have been provided with free connections of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). He stated that there were 14 crore LPG connections in 2014, and the number of connections has increased to 33 crore as of 2025. 'LPG Connection: Year 2014 - 14 crore and Year 2025 - 33 crore,' Puri said while addressing the gathering here, adding, 'Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, the past 11 years have brought an LPG revolution that has ushered in a new wave of change in every sector.' The Union Minister stated that the cost of a cylinder in India was merely Rs 553, which was lower compared to other LPG-producing countries, such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 'As part of this, under the PM Ujjwala scheme, more than 10.33 crore women have been provided free connections. Even today, they get a cylinder for just Rs 553, which is lower than in other LPG-producing countries,' Puri said. 'In contrast, the same cylinder costs Rs 1,204 in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Rs 1,201 in Nepal, and Rs 1,000 in Pakistan,' he added. Puri said that the number of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana exceeds 1.25 crore. 'This revolution has not only improved women's health but has also become a significant means of job creation. Clean fuel is now present in almost every kitchen in every country,' he added. In a veiled attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Puri on Friday reiterated that petrol and diesel prices in non-BJP states are ruling above that of BJP-run states. Speaking in Durgapur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside on the dais, Minister Puri said petrol and diesel prices are Rs 7-8 per litre lower in BJP-ruled states. 'Our government under PM Modi did not allow fuel prices to rise. In November 2021, May 2022, and March 2024, the central government reduced cess on petrol and diesel, cumulatively by Rs 13 and Rs 16,' the minister said. 'On top of that, our BJP-ruled states also reduced VAT on fuel. In BJP states, petrol and diesel prices are ruling Rs 7-8 per litre lower than non-BJP states,' Minister Puri added. In a major boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers, and provide CNG at the retail outlets and also create employment opportunities in the region. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, which has been laid as a part of the ambitious Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. (ANI)
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Petroleum dealers must become active partners in India's energy transition: Hardeep Puri
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri , urged petroleum dealers across the country to transform into active partners in India's energy transition, while addressing the Plenary Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association ( AIPDA ) conclave. AIPDA is the largest national body representing petroleum retail outlet dealers. The Minister emphasised the importance of embracing green initiatives, enhancing digital readiness , and evolving business models in line with India's dynamic energy landscape. Recognising the pivotal role played by petroleum dealers in the energy ecosystem, Minister Puri acknowledged concerns related to dealer commissions, operational costs, and other issues. He assured the gathering that the Ministry believes in "consultation, not confrontation," and cited the revision of dealer margins in October 2024 and the implementation of intra-state freight rationalisation as concrete steps taken to address disparities. He further said that structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal would continue to be strengthened. Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years--including the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical conflicts--Minister Puri noted that India not only navigated these disruptions effectively but also emerged as a global leader in energy growth. Despite global volatility, India accounted for 16 per cent of global growth in crude oil consumption and is projected to contribute 25 per cent of such growth over the next three decades. The Government, he said, has ensured affordable and uninterrupted energy supply to citizens, even during times of global uncertainty. Highlighting India's achievements in the biofuels sector , the Minister noted that nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending has been achieved in 2025, a significant rise from 1.53 per cent in 2014. This accomplishment has resulted in Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, a reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes in CO₂ emissions, and direct payments of Rs 1.21 lakh crore to farmers. He also cited the expansion of CNG stations from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 today and the provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY, empowering women and improving health outcomes. "These numbers are not just achievements; they are milestones on our journey towards a cleaner, self-reliant energy future," he said. Appreciating the dedication of petroleum dealers who serve over 67 million customers daily, Minister Puri stated, "You are the physical interface between the Indian citizen and the national energy system." He emphasized that as India reduces crude oil imports, diversifies energy sources, and boosts renewables, the role of dealers becomes crucial in ensuring accessibility, availability, and affordability--the three pillars of energy justice. He lauded the dealer network's reach from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, ensuring fuel availability even during emergencies, natural disasters, and elections. Minister Puri called for a transformation of retail outlets into centres of customer excellence, where digital payments, automated billing, clean toilets, strict safety protocols, and effective grievance redressal become the norm. He urged adoption of technologies that enable zero pilferage, zero tampering, and complete transparency. He also emphasized the growing relevance of non-fuel services at outlets, such as convenience stores, EV charging, utility bill payments, and fintech services, which can enhance customer experience and provide new revenue streams. The Minister laid out a roadmap for dealers to reposition themselves as energy entrepreneurs. He advised the community to upskill their workforce through structured training in customer service, digital tools, and safety standards. He encouraged collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement EV charging points, rooftop solar installations, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Minister Puri also stressed the importance of adopting digital dispensing systems, automated monitoring, and transparent auditing to strengthen consumer trust. He highlighted the strategic importance of the dealer network in supporting national objectives like disaster response, public health drives, and voter awareness campaigns. Minister Puri particularly urged the petroleum dealer fraternity to leverage the prime locations of their retail outlets to generate Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) by offering services such as communication hubs, battery swapping stations, water kiosks, and digital financial services. He reiterated that as India navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing energy landscape and works towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, petroleum dealers will continue to play a central and evolving role. Concluding his address, the Minister called upon dealers to look beyond retail margins and redefine their role in line with the vision of energy self-reliance . "Let this conclave be not just a gathering of peers, but the starting point of a new journey--a journey that takes you beyond retail, beyond margins, and into the very heart of India's energy transformation," he said. Minister Puri appreciated the enthusiastic participation of AIPDA members from across the country and assured the government's continued support for the collective benefit of citizens, dealers, and Oil Marketing Companies.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India poised to account for 25 pc of global growth in crude oil demand: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that despite global volatility, India accounted for 16 per cent of global growth in crude oil consumption and is projected to contribute 25 per cent of such growth over the next three decades. In his address at the plenary session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) conclave, the minister said that the Government has ensured affordable and uninterrupted energy supply to citizens, even during times of global uncertainty. Highlighting India's achievements in the biofuels sector, the Minister noted that nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending has been achieved in 2025, a significant rise from 1.53 per cent in 2014. This accomplishment has resulted in Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, a reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes in CO2 emissions, and direct payments of Rs 1.21 lakh crore to farmers. He also cited the expansion of CNG stations from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 today and the provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY, empowering women and improving health outcomes. 'These numbers are not just achievements; they are milestones on our journey towards a cleaner, self-reliant energy future,' he said. Recognising the pivotal role played by petroleum dealers in the energy ecosystem, Puri acknowledged concerns related to dealer commissions, operational costs, and other issues. He assured the gathering of petroleum retail outlet dealers that the Ministry believes in 'consultation, not confrontation,' and cited the revision of dealer margins in October 2024 and the implementation of intra-state freight rationalisation as concrete steps taken to address disparities. Puri further said that structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal would continue to be strengthened. Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years—including the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical conflicts—Puri noted that India not only navigated these disruptions effectively but also emerged as a global leader in energy growth. The minister called for a transformation of retail outlets into centres of customer excellence, where digital payments, automated billing, clean toilets, strict safety protocols, and effective grievance redressal become the norm. Puri urged the adoption of technologies that enable zero pilferage, zero tampering, and complete transparency. He also emphasised the growing relevance of non-fuel services at outlets, such as convenience stores, EV charging, utility bill payments, and fintech services, which can enhance customer experience and provide new revenue streams. The Minister laid out a roadmap for dealers to reposition themselves as energy entrepreneurs. He advised the community to upskill their workforce through structured training in customer service, digital tools, and safety standards. He encouraged collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement EV charging points, rooftop solar installations, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Puri also stressed the importance of adopting digital dispensing systems, automated monitoring, and transparent auditing to strengthen consumer trust. He highlighted the strategic importance of the dealer network in supporting national objectives like disaster response, public health drives, and voter awareness campaigns. Puri particularly urged the petroleum dealer fraternity to leverage the prime locations of their retail outlets to generate Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) by offering services such as communication hubs, battery swapping stations, water kiosks, and digital financial services.
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Clean cooking's still not plug and play
If kitchen is the heart of a home, clean cooking is what keeps it healthy. But it's not just about fresh ingredients and spotless utensils - it's also about keeping the air free from smoke and toxins. For many, that's a luxury. In India, around 500 mn people rely on polluting fuels like wood, biomass, dung cakes, crop residue and kerosene, leading to environmental and health issues. India, like many developing nations, has launched clean cooking initiatives. Expanding piped natural gas (PNG) access is one such step, alongside promoting household biogas and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which focuses on LPG connections. Yet, none have been effective in ensuring sustained clean-fuel use or fully replacing biomass. Despite GoI's ambitious push - the operational PNG pipeline network expanded from 15,340 km in 2014 to 24,945 km as of September 2024 - nearly a third of the licensed city gas distribution areas remain unconnected to the grid, hampering adoption. Major roadblocks include lack of last-mile infra and distance between pipeline tap-off points and authorised zones. To boost uptake, India needs infrastructure investment, streamlined regulation, LPG distribution partnerships, and greater public awareness of clean cooking's health and environmental benefits. Yet, for a country as vast and diverse as India, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Alongside PNG, biogas and PMUY, electric cooking must be part of the clean energy mix. A subsidy for induction stoves and the PM's endorsement of solar PV e-cookstoves signal that electric cooking could be the next frontier. The path to truly clean kitchens lies not in one technology but in offering flexible, region-specific solutions that make clean cooking a right, not a privilege.
