Uttar Pradesh Announces Free Gas Cylinder Refill for Ujjwala Beneficiaries Ahead of Holi 2026

Significant Announcement for Ujjwala Beneficiaries

In a major announcement ahead of Holi 2026, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has shared good news for approximately 1.86 crore families benefiting from the Ujjwala scheme in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has allocated a substantial ₹1500 crore for subsidies, allowing these families to receive one free gas cylinder refill. This declaration was made during an event held on February 28, 2026, at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow.

Details of the Scheme

• Scheme Name: Additional subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PM Ujjwala Yojana).


• Beneficiaries: A total of 1.86 crore families in Uttar Pradesh, primarily women who have received free gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Nationwide, over 10 crore families benefit from this initiative, with Uttar Pradesh having the largest share.


• Amount: Approximately ₹1500 crore in subsidies, which will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).


• Objective: To provide financial relief to low-income families during major festivals like Holi and Diwali, enabling them to celebrate joyfully. This initiative has been in place since 2022, offering one free refill during each of these festivals annually.


• Subsidy Breakdown: The cost of a standard cylinder is around ₹925. The central government provides a subsidy of ₹363.33 per refill, while the Uttar Pradesh government adds an additional ₹561.67 (or as needed) to ensure the refill is free.


• How to Avail the Benefit:
  
  

  
  
  • Beneficiaries can collect a filled cylinder for free from their nearest authorized gas agency (such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum) before or after Holi.
  
  
  • Once the subsidy is credited via DBT, they can get the refill at the agency, and the amount will be automatically adjusted.
  
  
  • If a refill was done recently, a refund may be possible in certain cases (as mentioned in the government update).
  
  

  
  



• Highlights of the Program:
  
  

  
  
  • The Chief Minister presented symbolic checks to ten beneficiary women.
  
  
  • Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present at the event.
  
  
  • The Chief Minister emphasized that Holi symbolizes equality and social harmony, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, priority is being given to the poor, women, farmers, and youth.
  
  

  
  

This initiative is a significant step towards women's empowerment, promoting clean cooking, and eradicating poverty. If you are a beneficiary of the Ujjwala scheme, check your bank account for the subsidy and contact your nearest agency as soon as possible.