India’s operational natural gas pipeline network has expanded to 25,429 km as the country advances towards a fully connected national gas grid, strengthening energy security and enabling wider access to cleaner fuel across regions.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’ year-end review, work is currently under way on an additional 10,459 km of pipelines. To ensure uniform and equitable gas pricing, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has implemented the “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff” system, which standardises transportation charges across about 90 per cent of the pipeline network, preventing higher costs for consumers in distant locations.

Ensuring universal access to clean cooking fuel remained a key priority during the year. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the number of beneficiaries reached around 103.5 million as of December 1, 2025. To clear pending applications and achieve near-total LPG coverage, the government approved the release of an additional 2.5 million LPG connections during FY26.

The eligibility process was simplified through the introduction of a single Deprivation Declaration, replacing the earlier multi-point self-declaration system and making access faster and more inclusive. LPG affordability was supported through a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to nine refills per year for PMUY beneficiaries, leading to a steady rise in consumption.

Average per capita LPG usage increased from about three refills per year in FY20 to 4.47 refills in FY25, and further to a pro-rated level of around 4.85 refills per annum in FY26, reflecting sustained adoption of clean cooking fuel.

The Ministry also focused on strengthening petroleum marketing infrastructure. More than 90,000 retail outlets were equipped with digital payment facilities, supported by over 271,000 point-of-sale terminals. Door-to-door fuel delivery was expanded through the commissioning of over 3,200 bowsers, improving access in remote areas. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, toilet facilities were ensured at nearly all retail outlets, with many providing separate facilities for men and women.

To enhance consumer safety, the Ministry conducted over 121.2 million free safety checks nationwide. In the fuel segment, ethanol blending in petrol reached 19.24 per cent during the year. The government also awarded 172 oil and gas blocks for exploration to boost domestic production.