Synopsis
In Jamnagar, Gujarat, over 1.60 lakh residents have benefited from the LPG Free Cylinder Assistance Scheme in the past year. This initiative promotes clean cooking fuel and aims to reduce health risks for women, with significant government support and subsidies.Key Takeaways
- Over 1.60 lakh beneficiaries in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Scheme promotes clean cooking fuel for health safety.
- Government disbursed Rs7.81 crore in subsidies.
- LPG consumption increased in Gujarat.
- Industrial shift from natural gas to LPG.
Jamnagar, Feb 21 (NationPress) In the last year, over 1.60 lakh individuals in Jamnagar district, Gujarat have benefitted from the LPG Free Cylinder Assistance Scheme, as reported by the state Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Bhikhusinhji Parmar, during an Assembly session on Friday.
The initiative aims to promote clean cooking fuel and mitigate health hazards for women.
As of December 31, 2024, a total of 1,60,765 beneficiaries have received aid through this program. In the initial quarter (April-June 2024), 79,429 beneficiaries received free cylinders, while this figure increased to 81,336 in the second quarter (October-December 2024). The program was initiated to address the negative health impacts associated with smoke from conventional cooking fuels such as firewood and dung cakes.
By promoting LPG usage, the state government aims to enhance indoor air quality and the overall well-being of rural families.
Official data indicates that 96,601 individuals registered for the scheme in Jamnagar district in 2024. The government has allocated a Rs7.81 crore subsidy this financial year to aid this initiative. In 2018, LPG consumption in the state hit 1,041 thousand tonnes, an increase from 971 thousand tonnes the previous year.
However, in 2022, Gujarat's natural gas consumption was noted at 1,290 million cubic meters, a decrease from 3,191 million cubic meters in 2021. Despite these variations, Gujarat maintains one of the highest per capita natural gas consumption rates in India, recorded at 191 kilograms of oil equivalent (kgoe), which is significantly higher than the national average of 39 kgoe.
The industrial sector in Gujarat has undergone a shift in fuel choice due to changing prices.
Between April 2021 and December 2022, the price of bulk LPG escalated from Rs 52.83 per kg to Rs 60.15 per kg, while natural gas prices surged from Rs 40.45 per kg to Rs 71.95 per kg. This notable rise in natural gas prices has compelled numerous industrial users, particularly in regions like Morbi, to switch from natural gas to LPG as a more feasible option.
