The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has reinforced its commitment to welfare by allocating 260 crore for the Free LPG Cylinder Scheme in the 2026-27 budget. This initiative, which was officially launched by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on March 2, 2026, ensures that eligible households in the capital receive two free cylinders every year. The assistance is specifically timed for the festive seasons of Holi and Diwali to help families manage their expenses better.
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Eligibility criteria for Delhi residents
The scheme is designed for permanent residents of Delhi who belong to economically weaker sections. To receive this benefit, households must meet the following official requirements:
- Families must possess a valid and active ration card.
- All households enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) are automatically eligible.
- Households using Piped Natural Gas (PNG) will also receive financial assistance equivalent to the cost of one LPG cylinder.
- The scheme is applicable only for domestic use, and commercial connections are not eligible.
Financial assistance and transfer details
The Delhi government uses the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method to send the subsidy amount directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This ensures that the process remains transparent and accountable. The assistance is provided regardless of whether a refill was purchased in that specific month or not. The breakdown of the financial aid is as follows:
| Beneficiary Type | Assistance Amount (Per Cylinder) |
|---|---|
| Non-PMUY Ration Card Holders | 853 |
| PMUY (Ujjwala) Beneficiaries | 553 |
| PNG Connection Users | Equivalent to 1 LPG Cylinder |
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while presenting the budget on March 24, 2026, described it as a green budget aimed at easing financial pressure on families. The first round of financial assistance for the Holi cylinder was already credited to bank accounts on March 2, 2026. This targeted approach allows families to purchase cylinders from their regular distributors using the money provided by the government.
