Government data reveals a concerning trend in Karnataka where lakhs of PMUY beneficiaries failed to purchase a single LPG refill throughout the 2025-26 financial year.
Key Takeaways
- 3.4 lakh PMUY beneficiaries in Karnataka recorded zero refills in 2025-26.
- Zero-refill cases surged from 1.64 lakh in 2021-22 to 3.4 lakh in 2025-26.
- West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh show severe trends with over 41 lakh combined zero-refill households.
In a startling revelation in the Rajya Sabha, the Union government disclosed that approximately 3.4 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in Karnataka went an entire year without purchasing a single LPG refill during 2025-26. This data was provided in response to a query by Rajya Sabha member Mansoor Ali Khan.
The trend indicates a worrying rise in 'inactive' connections. In Karnataka, the number of beneficiaries who took no refills has more than doubled, jumping from 1.64 lakh in 2021-22 to 3.4 lakh in 2025-26. While 32.66 lakh beneficiaries utilized three or more refills, a significant pocket of the population remains unable to sustain the use of clean fuel.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the gap between 'connection distribution' and 'sustained usage' is widening. Providing a free connection is a one-time achievement, but ensuring the affordability of refills is a continuous economic challenge. When refills become unaffordable, households revert to biomass and firewood, negating the health benefits of the scheme.
| State/Region | Zero Refills (2025-26) | Avg Consumption (Per Conn.) |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 3.4 Lakh | 5.49 |
| West Bengal | 21 Lakh | - |
| Uttar Pradesh | 20 Lakh | - |
| National Average | - | 4.71 |
"A clean cooking fuel connection is meaningful only when a family can afford to use it regularly; otherwise, it is merely a statistical victory."
While the national average consumption has improved to 4.71 cylinders per connection, states like Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya remain well below this mark. The government maintains that consumption depends on factors such as household size, cooking habits, and the availability of alternative fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How has the zero-refill count changed in Karnataka since 2021?
Answer: The number of beneficiaries taking no refills increased from 1.64 lakh in 2021-22 to 3.4 lakh in 2025-26.
Q2: Which states have the highest number of zero-refill households?
Answer: West Bengal (21 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh (20 lakh) have the highest numbers of beneficiaries who took no refills in 2025-26.
