IEW 2025: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India's clean cooking gas model highly replicable in other Global South nations

Showcasing India's clean cooking gas model at the 2025 edition of the India Energy Week (IEW) in the national capital, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Wednesday that the country's clean cooking gas model is not only successful but also highly replicable in other Global South nations, especially those facing similar challenges related to energy accessibility. Puri highlighted India’s remarkable success in ensuring universal access to clean cooking gas through targeted subsidies, a strong political will, oil marketing companies' digitisation of distribution networks, and nationwide campaigns promoting cultural shifts towards clean cooking. The minister also chaired a ministerial roundtable on clean cooking at the Yashobhoomi international convention and expo centre on Feruary 12, the second day of the annual IEW event. 

Participants included representatives from Brazil, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan and Nepal, besides industry leaders including the International Energy Agency (IEA), Total Energy and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), according to an official release. 

Puri also highlighted that under the Narendra Modi government's PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), beneficiaries receive LPG access at a highly affordable cost of just 7 cents per day, while other consumers can avail themselves of clean cooking fuel at 15 cents per day. This affordability has been a game-changer in driving widespread adoption, said Puri. 

During the session, international representatives shared their experiences and challenges in expanding access to clean cooking solutions.

Tanzania's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Mashaka Biteko outlined its strategy to enable 80 per cent of households to transition to clean cooking by 2030, leveraging subsidies and a mix of energy sources, including LPG, natural gas, and biogas. He also acknowledged significant challenges, including financing constraints, the high cost of infrastructure, and the need for regulatory reforms to encourage private-sector participation.

Sudan's Minister of Energy and Oil Dr Mohieldien Naiem Mohamed Saied emphasised the need for private sector engagement to bridge gaps in LPG supply, as the country still imports a significant portion of its energy needs. Encouraging local cylinder production and ensuring cost-effective imports remain key hurdles in achieving broader adoption.

Representatives from Rwanda and Nepal shared their efforts in reducing firewood dependency through electric stoves and biogas expansion.

IEA Deputy Executive Director Mary Burce Warlick said that India’s success offers valuable lessons for other countries, especially in dealing with challenges related to affordability, access and infrastructure. Warlick also said emphasised the role of concessional financing and public-private partnerships (PPP) in expanding clean cooking access globally.

Highlighting India’s clean cooking transformation, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Partner Rahool Panandiker credited the country's OMCs for enabling last-mile LPG delivery through digital platforms, making adoption seamless.

Panadiker also underscored the need for refining the cylinder refill model to ensure sustained usage and balancing affordability with economic sustainability.

The true potential of solar cookers...

Puri pointed out that IOCL’s advanced solar cookers, featuring integrated solar panels, are priced at approximately $500 per unit with no additional costs over their lifecycle.

While the current price point remains a challenge for widespread adoption, leveraging carbon financing and collaborating with the private sector could drive costs down, making solar cooking a viable alternative for millions, he said. 

This initiative aligns with the country's broader efforts to diversify clean cooking options beyond LPG, reinforcing its commitment to reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

India remains committed to supporting energy access initiatives worldwide 

Puri said that backed by smart subsidies and sustainable policies, the Indian model provides a scalable solution for other developing nations striving to achieve clean cooking access.

He also said that achieving universal clean cooking access is not merely an economic imperative but a moral one, taking into account the severe health and environmental impacts of traditional biomass cooking.

The Union Minister hoped that the next year's India Energy Week event to be focused on affordable clean cooking fuel.