Which country is now recognised as the second largest consumer and importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the world?

Introduction / Context:
Liquefied petroleum gas, often called LPG, is widely used for cooking and heating. In recent years, some developing countries have expanded LPG use through large scale subsidy and connection schemes. This question focuses on which country has become the second largest consumer and importer of LPG in the world, a fact often highlighted in energy and economy related current affairs.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to both consumption and import of LPG.
- It is about the country that now occupies the second position globally.
- Options are the USA, Japan, China and India.
- The context is recent, with special emphasis on national schemes promoting clean cooking fuel.

Concept / Approach:
India has implemented major programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to provide LPG connections to rural and low income households. As a result, LPG demand has grown rapidly and India has become one of the world's largest importers and consumers of LPG. While countries like China and the USA have large energy demand, India's rapid shift from biomass to LPG in households has pushed it to the second place in global LPG consumption and import rankings in commonly quoted current affairs data.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that India has rolled out large initiatives that encourage households to switch to LPG for cooking. Step 2: Understand that these schemes increased LPG usage and therefore imports because domestic production is limited. Step 3: Remember current affairs reports which stated that India had become the second largest LPG importer and consumer worldwide. Step 4: Compare the options and select India as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by linking this fact with economic news about India's energy import bill and discussions on how LPG usage has expanded in rural areas. Reports often mention that India now stands next only to the top country in LPG imports, reflecting the success and challenges of its clean cooking programme. The USA and Japan have large energy markets but are not currently highlighted in this specific way in exam focused material, and although China is a large economy, the widely quoted fact for LPG in many Indian GK sources points to India's second place.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- USA: A major energy consumer, but not highlighted as the second largest LPG importer in this commonly tested context.
- Japan: Significant energy importer, yet not ranked as second in LPG consumption and imports in the period referenced by exam sources.
- China: A huge energy market, but here the emphasis in Indian general knowledge material is on India's rise to the second position.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may instinctively choose China or the USA because of their size and level of industrialisation, without linking the question to national initiatives promoting LPG as a household fuel. Another mistake is to ignore the difference between natural gas and LPG. To avoid these errors, remember that India's LPG story is closely tied to schemes such as Ujjwala Yojana, which pushed it up in global rankings.

Final Answer:
The country that has become the second largest consumer and importer of LPG in the world is India.