Union Minister Hardeep Puri chairs consultative committee meeting on petroleum & natural gas
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri chaired the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Haryana's Manesar on Friday, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in a release.
While chairing the Consultative Committee meeting, the Union Minister highlighted India's remarkable progress in energy affordability, access, and infrastructure development.
He underscored the government's proactive measures in stabilising fuel prices, expanding LPG coverage, and boosting refining and distribution capacity across the country.
Puri reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to inclusive and consumer-focused energy policies.
During the meeting, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi also attended and 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 Narendra Modi, India was able to successfully navigate geopolitical adversities to ensure affordability and availability of energy for citizens without any shortage.
He noted that when fuel prices were skyrocketing worldwide, India was the only country where 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 an 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 per cent 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 per cent in rural areas, ensuring deep last-mile reach.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58 per cent increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay only Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder.
Oil companies incurred a loss of Rs 40,000 crore last year to keep LPG prices affordable.
A cylinder costing approximately Rs 1,058 is being provided to PMUY beneficiaries at just Rs 553. For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853.
As a result, the per-day cooking cost comes to around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users.
Union Minister Puri informed that LPG prices in India are among the lowest globally. Despite a steep 58% increase in international LPG prices, PMUY consumers now pay Rs 553 for a 14.2 kg cylinder--39% less than the Rs 903 they paid in July 2023. Oil companies have incurred Rs 40,000 crore loss last year in order to keep LPG prices low. Cylinder of approximately Rs 1058 cost is being sold at Rs 553 to Ujjwala consumers.
For regular consumers, the price is Rs 853. The per-day cooking cost is now around Rs 6.8 for PMUY households and Rs 14.7 for non-PMUY users. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
27 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Daylight robbery…unacceptable': Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy orders action against app-based auto aggregators for overcharging
Amid rising complaints from commuters against app-based auto aggregators overcharging post the bike taxi ban, Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed the transport commissioner to draft and implement an effective action plan—including permit cancellation and criminal cases—against offending auto drivers. 'Passengers have highlighted several violations, including demands for higher-than-fixed fares, cancellation of trips if the inflated fare is not accepted, and exorbitant charges. For instance, on June 18, 2025, the Rapido Auto app charged Rs 100.89 per km, while the same app charged Rs 184.19 for a 4 km journey. Such blatant overcharging amounts to daylight robbery and is unacceptable. Immediate and stringent action is necessary,' Reddy noted in a letter to the transport commissioner on Saturday. He added, 'Although the transport department has already booked several cases against auto drivers for fare refusal and overcharging, complaints continue to pour in from the public. The mobile phone screenshots submitted by commuters serve as evidence of fares exceeding the prescribed limits.' As per the auto fare revision in December 2021, the government has fixed Rs 30 for the first 2 km and Rs 15 for every subsequent km. In 2022, the Karnataka High Court order also capped aggregator commissions at 10 per cent, aimed at making fares more affordable and transparent. As per the high court order, app-based auto aggregators are allowed to charge only 10 per cent above the government-notified fare, plus 5 per cent goods and services tax. However, app-based auto-rickshaw services (e.g., Ola, Uber, Rapido) have been criticised for non-compliance, with fares often exceeding Rs 70 for short rides (e.g., 1.5 km) due to additional charges like surge pricing, congestion fees, pickup fees or optional tips. The complaints of exorbitant charges have reportedly increased after the bike taxi ban kicked in from June 16. Two days ago, Bangalore Central MP P C Mohan shared screenshots on X highlighting exorbitant auto-rickshaw charges through aggregator apps, stating, 'A mere 1.5 km ride costs over Rs 70 in Bengaluru due to a complete breakdown in fare regulation. The State Government must enforce base fares, mandate meter usage, and shield commuters from app-driven cartels and digital monopolies. Overcharging has already cost citizens Rs 1,010 crore.' He further noted, 'Since the bike-taxi ban, auto fares in Bengaluru have spiked by 50%. A 3 km ride now costs Rs 120–Rs 150, with commuters pressured to pay 'tips' of Rs 30–Rs 100 to avoid cancellations. With meters largely ignored and digital platforms unchecked, the Government must intervene to ensure fairness and accountability.' Mohan also sought a revision of auto fares, requesting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to fix the minimum fare at Rs 35. Revision of auto rickshaw fares sought Meanwhile, the Autorickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU) has submitted representations to the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner seeking a revision of auto rickshaw fares in accordance with the increase in the central government's Wholesale Price Index. Several other auto rickshaw unions have also proposed increasing the fares in Bengaluru, citing rising operational costs, including fuel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance. The unions have proposed a base fare of Rs 40 for the first 2 km (up from Rs 30) and Rs 20 for every subsequent km (up from Rs 15). 'While honest auto drivers are compelled to operate at outdated fare rates, their incomes have significantly reduced. This inaction on fare revision has inadvertently allowed a section of drivers to exploit the situation by charging arbitrarily high, often double, fares,' Rudramurthy, president of ARDU, said in a letter to the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner last week. He added, 'In contrast, cities like Udupi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga revised their rates in 2023 to Rs 40 for the first 2 km and Rs 20 per km thereafter. In Maharashtra's major cities like Mumbai and Pune, fares are as high as Rs 50 for 2 km and Rs 25 per km thereafter.' Rudramurthy also noted that in certain parts of the city, passengers are often forced to pay inflated charges due to the absence of a legally revised fare structure. He complained that app-based auto rickshaw aggregators have exploited this vacuum by displaying arbitrary and illegal fares on their mobile platforms, resulting in routine passenger exploitation. 'Under the provisions of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, the State Transport Authority is required to constitute a Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to oversee such fare matters. However, the deputy commissioner, who by law should serve as the chairperson of the RTA, has not been officially appointed, resulting in administrative lapses and inaction,' he said.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme 2025: CBSE asks students to apply by 31 October
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2025. (AI Image) Central Sector Scholarship 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a public notice inviting applications from eligible students for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) for the academic year 2025–26. The scholarship is sponsored by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and aims to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education. The online application process is now open on the National Scholarship Portal ( Students seeking fresh applications or renewals for 1st year (2024), 2nd year (2023), 3rd year (2022), and 4th year (2021) are encouraged to submit their applications online. The last date to apply for both fresh and renewal scholarships is October 31, 2025. Scholarship aims to support students in higher education The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students to help meet part of their daily expenses during their graduation and postgraduation studies. Under this scheme, selected undergraduate students receive Rs 12,000 per annum for the first three years, while postgraduate students are awarded Rs 20,000 per annum. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.89 Cr.* Hero Homes Learn More Undo Read the official notice here CBSE has asked all students affiliated with its institutions to apply through the National Scholarship Portal within the stipulated deadline. The board emphasised that all applications must be verified by the respective institutions. In cases where verification is required, students must present their original documents to their institute authorities. Institutional verification is mandatory The board has also issued a directive to the Nodal Officers of respective institutions to ensure timely verification of applications. Officers are expected to verify, flag defects, or reject applications as necessary via their institute login on the portal. Failure to complete this process may result in applications being marked as invalid. "All the candidates are advised to apply online within the stipulated time and get their online applications verified by the institutions (if required show the original documents to institute), else the application would be treated as INVALID," CBSE stated in its official notice. Application process available only through online portal To apply, students must visit and complete the online application process. It is crucial that both fresh applicants and those seeking renewal follow the specified procedure carefully to avoid rejection. Students and institutions are advised to adhere strictly to deadlines and verification requirements to ensure the successful processing of scholarship applications under the CSSS scheme. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Hans India
34 minutes ago
- Hans India
Congress lost power due to its neglect of backward classes: Union Minister
Bengaluru: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said on Saturday that the Congress party deliberately ignored the Kaka Kalelkar Commission report to prevent the social and educational advancement of backward classes, despite the Constitution clearly advocating the identification and upliftment of socially and educationally backward communities. Questioning why those who claim to carry the Constitution in their pockets failed to implement the recommendations of the Kaka Kalelkar Commission, he remarked that after India emerged from the Emergency and family-rule politics, the Janata Party came to power at the Centre and established the Mandal Commission. 'It was only after Congress lost power that justice for OBCs began to be seriously discussed,' said the Union Minister while delivering the keynote address at the seminar titled 'Caste Census: Retrospect and Prospect', organised by the Social Justice Awareness Forum – Karnataka, at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Racecourse Road on Saturday. He further accused the Congress of neglecting the Mandal Commission's report just as it had done with the Kalelkar Commission's report. 'It was the OBCs who helped former PM late Rajiv Gandhi win over 400 seats in Parliament, but despite receiving their votes and coming to power, the Congress failed to ensure social justice for them,' he said. Yadav also criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly ignoring the OBC report. He pointed out that it was only after the BJP-supported V.P. Singh government came to power that the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented and reservations for OBCs were introduced. Yadav stressed that the Constitution is the foundation of all Indian laws. 'While some may carry the Constitution in their pockets, we carry it in our hearts. If they keep it in their family's wallet, we have embraced it within our souls,' he claimed. Yadav stated that due to the neglect of backward classes, the Congress lost power in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. He expressed confidence that the Congress would not return to power in Karnataka if the backward classes became more aware of their rights. Referring to the recent remembrance of 50 years since the Emergency, he said the Emergency was born out of an authoritarian mindset and reminded the audience that such a situation should never arise again. Highlighting the 17th and 18th-century social reform movements in India, Yadav said these movements led to the reawakening of Indian society, which eventually culminated in the independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. He emphasised that the objective of the Indian Constitution is to ensure social, political, and economic justice for every citizen, and reservations were introduced to help build an egalitarian society. Yadav called untouchability a stain on humanity and said that is why reservation was necessary. Retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice K. Bhaktavatsala, who inaugurated the event, said the Constitution framed by B.R. Ambedkar upholds the idea of social justice and equality for all. The event was chaired by K. Mukudappa, a retired government officer who has been advocating for the rights of backward classes for over four decades. He accused the Congress of never implementing either the Kalelkar or Mandal Commission reports. Raghu Kautilya, President of the Backward Classes Front, delivered the introductory remarks. He recalled that the last caste census was conducted in 1931, during British rule.
