Delhi government to provide free LPG cylinder amount via DBT to ration card holders during Holi and Diwali 2026. Check eligibility, dates, and details.
Delhi government to provide free LPG cylinder amount via DBT to ration card holders
As the festive season approaches, the Delhi government has announced a major welfare move aimed at easing household expenses for thousands of families across the capital. Ahead of Holi 2026, the government has confirmed that eligible residents will receive financial support equivalent to the cost of an LPG cylinder, offering relief from rising cooking fuel prices.
Instead of distributing physical cylinders, the government will transfer the amount directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This initiative is expected to benefit ration card holders during two major festivals this year, Holi and Diwali, helping families manage festival-related expenses more comfortably.
The scheme reflects the government’s focus on targeted financial assistance using direct benefit transfers, ensuring faster delivery and reduced leakages.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced the decision after a cabinet meeting chaired by her. The government approved a scheme under which the cost of one LPG cylinder, ₹853, will be credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries.
“The amount will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts before Holi,” Gupta said, adding that the aim is to provide timely relief to families during major festivals. The financial support will be provided through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, allowing beneficiaries to receive funds without intermediaries.
The scheme applies to Delhi residents who meet the following criteria:
Yes. The Delhi government has clarified that households using piped natural gas connections will also receive the benefit. The chief minister said the benefit will not be limited to households using LPG cylinders.
Ration card holders who use piped natural gas (PNG) connections will also be covered under the scheme. This ensures that families who have transitioned to cleaner cooking fuel are not excluded from festival support.
The government has set clear timelines for disbursal:
The benefit will be provided twice in 2026, once during each festival. Residents do not need to apply separately if they already meet eligibility requirements.
The ₹853 amount will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This method allows households to purchase cooking fuel from their preferred provider while ensuring transparency and faster processing.
Beneficiaries are advised to ensure their ration card details and bank accounts remain active and updated to avoid delays.
To implement the scheme, the Delhi government has allocated ₹242 crore in the current budget. The allocation aims to cover a large number of low-income households across Delhi, particularly those most affected by rising fuel and essential commodity prices.
Cooking gas remains one of the biggest recurring household expenses for urban families. Festival seasons often increase spending pressure, especially on low-income households.
By transferring the LPG cylinder cost directly, the government aims to provide flexible financial support rather than a one-size-fits-all subsidy. The scheme also strengthens the use of DBT mechanisms for welfare delivery.
For many families, this assistance could help redirect savings toward other essential needs during festivals.
Eligible residents should:
