Over 81 pc of LPG consumers join PaHaL scheme

New Delhi, Mar 4: More than 81 per cent of the 14.5 crore LPG consumers have joined a scheme to get cash subsidy in their bank accounts, the oil ministry said today.

"As on March 2, 2015, 81 per cent (11.74 crore) active LPG consumers have joined the PaHaL scheme which was introduced in 54 districts of the country on November 15 last year and in rest of the country from January 1," an official statement said.

Under the scheme, LPG consumers get cash subsidy in their bank accounts which they can use to buy market-priced cooking gas refill. An amount of Rs 6,745.41 crore has been transferred since November 15 through 18.9 crore transactions. At present, a fixed permanent advance of Rs 568 is also given to every consumer.

"This has been revised to become variable every month, equal to the actual subsidy due at the time of booking with effect from April 1, 2015 and subject to a maximum of Rs 568," it said.

The statement said enrollment in the scheme is continuing. It is expected that full benefits will start accruing with market pricing of domestic LPG cylinders covering the entire country with effect from April 1.

PTI