(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's energy landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation - where access to clean fuel is driving empowerment, especially for women, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

Under PM Modi's vision, 10.33 crore women have been provided dignity and ease through LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a landmark initiative in India's clean energy journey, the minister said in a post on X social media platform.

In addition, 1.51 crore homes now have piped natural gas (PNG) connected, and the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network serves 96 per cent of the nation's land and 99 per cent of its population, further increasing access to energy.

Women have taken on leadership positions in the energy industry, receiving training and working in biogas plants, retail fuel stores, and LPG distribution. 42,800 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG) were purchased in FY 2024–2025 as part of the ongoing effort to promote green energy, according to the minister.

"Today, the Indian woman is not just a beneficiary-she is a leader in shaping the nation's energy future," the petroleum minister said.

In addition to providing millions of people with cleaner fuel, the union government initiative for energy access has sparked social and economic empowerment, especially for women.

Earlier, the minister had said that India is taking steady, confident steps towards oil self-sufficiency and, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the country is securing its energy future, step by step.

According to the minister, 99 per cent of the "No-Go" areas have been cleared, even though a 1 million square kilometre offshore area is now open for oilfield exploration. Energy companies both domestically and internationally have already expressed interest in the oil and gas blocks available under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP), and Round X is anticipated to establish new standards for investment and participation.

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