Delhi Cabinet nod to free LPG cylinder scheme

The Delhi Cabinet has agreed to a long-awaited welfare plan which will offer LPG cylinders for free for households that qualify in the months of Holi or Diwali and will provide significant relief to families who are struggling with increasing cooking fuel costs. The announcement, made the day of February 4, 2026 is the fulfillment of a major pledge given by the BJP prior to 2020’s Delhi Assembly elections.

The Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that the plan has been officially approved and a budget allocated that is 242 crore and will be implemented in a timely manner in the coming year.

What Is the Free LPG Cylinder Scheme?

As per the recently approved scheme, Delhi households with valid Ration cards will be eligible for financial aid equal to the price the LPG container every year twice once prior to the festival of Holi and another prior to Diwali.

Instead of dispersing physical cylindrical containers instead, authorities in Delhi government will make use of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to credit the funds directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts at banks. This is a method designed to guarantee transparency, speedier delivery, and reduce leakage.

The current price of one LPG cylinder is set at 853 rupees and will be credited to affluent households prior to the start of the start of each festival.

Delhi Free LPG Cylinder Scheme Overview

Key Details	Information
Scheme Name	Free LPG Cylinder Scheme (Delhi)
Approved by	Delhi Cabinet
Announced by	Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
Beneficiaries	Households that have valid Ration cards
Benefit	Cost of a single LPG two times a year
Amount per Cylinder	Rs 853
PMUY Beneficiaries Support	The rate is Rs 553 (after the adjustment to central subsidy of Rs 300)
Payment Mode	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Special Occasions for Payment	Holi and Diwali
Eligibility Conditions	A valid ration card and a bank account
Year of Implementation	2026 and beyond
Official Website	https://delhi.gov.in

Delhi Cabinet nod to free LPG cylinder scheme

What the Scheme Does for PMUY Beneficiaries

Households that are covered by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) already receive the benefit of a 300 rs. per cylinder subsidy through the government of India.

To prevent duplicate benefits:

PMUY beneficiaries will get the equivalent of Rs 553 per Cylinder by the Delhi government
It is adjusted following the accounting for the current central subsidy
The benefit is still equal to the cost of a single LPG Cylinder

This will ensure the same level of support to all households eligible regardless of whether they already have in PMUY.

Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?

As per the Delhi Government, coverage requirements are large to allow for maximum coverage:

Households should possess an current rations card
The bank account has to be linked to DBT.
It is eligible regardless of whether the household is using PNG (piped natural gas)
Assistance will be offered regardless of whether a refill has been taken during the month.

In addition, the benefits are not dependent on consumption of the cylinder so families will be eligible for the holiday help even if they did not request refills during this time.

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Financial Outlay and Long-Term Cost

Officials believe the annual expense at Rs 242.77 crore however the actual cost could vary based on

Prices of LPG cylinders have changed.
Changes to central government subsidies
The number of beneficiaries eligible

The Cabinet has permitted changes that are dynamic in order to ensure that the scheme is financially viable and continues to provide support for families during holiday season.

Why This Scheme Matters

Prices for cooking gas have been a constant issue for low as well as middle-income family. Seasonal holidays often add on costs for families, which makes fuel costs even more crucial.

The Delhi government has stated that the plan will:

Relieve financial stress during major celebrations.
Women-led households can be supported as well as kitchens for families
Complement national clean-fuel initiatives
Increase quality of life and reduce stress without lengthy papers

The Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the program to be an expansion of the Center’s vision of clean fuel In her statement, she said it is in line with the efforts to ensure dignity, health and comfort for families.

What About the ₹500 LPG Cylinder Promise?

The BJP also had promised LPG cylinders for Rs 500 for women who belong to economically weaker groups. In this regard officials have clarified that:

The latest beneficiary information is currently being taken
The criteria for eligibility are being formulated.
The scheme is in active design and is expected to be released independently

Sources within the government have said that the plan would implement in a gradual manner after verification and targeting mechanisms have been fully in place.

Political and Social Impact

The approval of the no-cost LPG cylinder scheme is seen as an major political decision made to reinforce the government’s emphasis on welfare-led governance.

The DBT-based delivery system along with festival timings, as well as wide eligibility, the program is anticipated to touch millions of households across Delhi and will benefit primarily women and families with lower incomes.

The government has reaffirmed that this is a part of the bigger plan to fulfill all promises made during the election and further welfare programs to come.

Key Takeaway

The Delhi Cabinet’s approval of the free distribution of LPG cylinders for Holi and Diwali offers an immediate financial relief and improves social security, and further bolsters the focus of the government on access to clean cooking fuel. With a budget of Rs 242 crore and DBT-based delivery, this scheme will provide a significant holiday support, while also ensuring an openness and efficacy.