India is spearheading a clean energy revolution, strategically transitioning from kerosene usage to alternative clean energy sources while promoting universal access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The government has declared its commitment to eliminating subsidies on public distribution system (PDS) kerosene, actively decreasing its allocation due to its polluting nature. Since 2015, 13 states have been declared kerosene-free, a milestone achieved through incentivized programs under the Direct Benefit Transfer for Kerosene initiative.
India has bolstered its leadership on global energy initiatives, being a founding member of the International Solar Alliance in 2015 and the Global Biofuel Alliance in 2023. During the 2025 India Energy Week, the nation hosted a high-level Ministerial Roundtable on Clean Cooking, sharing lessons learned from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). These efforts align with an ambitious multi-pronged strategy to boost renewable and alternative fuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, compressed biogas, and second-generation ethanol.
To enhance energy efficiency, improve refinery processes, and support a gas-based economy, the government has launched initiatives like SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation), aiming to increase the usage of compressed biogas as an automotive fuel. For lighting purposes, India’s Saubhagya and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana programs have achieved near-universal electricity access.
In the realm of clean cooking fuels, the PMUY initiative, launched in May 2016, targets affordability for economically disadvantaged households by providing a subsidy of $300 per cylinder for up to 12 annual refills. By 2023, over 103 million households have benefited from the program, securing LPG cylinders at an effective cost of $503 in Delhi. Awareness campaigns and simplified processes have drastically improved LPG accessibility, with saturation reaching nearly 100% compared to 62% in 2016. Additionally, the government has established over 7,900 new LPG distributorships, with 93% operating in rural areas, to meet growing demand.
As India drives forward on its clean energy roadmap, these impactful policies and initiatives underline a deep commitment to sustainable energy solutions and social equity, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the transition to a greener future.
