LPG Subsidy: If you have received this message on your phone, your gas subsidy could be discontinued; take this action within 7 days..

LPG Subsidy Rule: Across the country, many LPG gas consumers are currently receiving a new SMS. This message states that if a consumer or a member of their family has an annual income exceeding ₹10 lakh, their gas subsidy may be discontinued. These messages are being sent by the state-run oil companies: Indian Oil (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL).

What does the message say?
The message states that, according to Income Tax records, the income of the consumer or their family exceeds the prescribed limit. If a consumer disagrees with this information, they must file a grievance within 7 days. Failure to respond within the stipulated time may result in the discontinuation of the gas subsidy.

Why is the government conducting this verification?
The government maintains that gas subsidies should be provided only to those who are truly in need. For this reason, oil companies are now cross-referencing gas consumer data with the records of the Income Tax Department. This process aims to identify who is eligible for the subsidy and who is not.

However, this rule is not new. As early as 2015, the government had announced that individuals with an annual income exceeding ₹10 lakh would not be eligible for the LPG subsidy. Previously, people were merely asked to voluntarily give up their subsidy; however, the verification process has now been made significantly more stringent.

What to do if you receive the SMS?
If a consumer receives such a message and believes the information contained therein is incorrect, they can file a grievance immediately. To facilitate this, the government has issued a toll-free helpline number: 1800-2333-555. Additionally, complaints can also be registered on the website of the respective oil company.

What happens after the subsidy is discontinued?
If an individual's subsidy is discontinued, they will continue to receive gas cylinders. However, they will be required to purchase the cylinders at market rates, and the subsidy amount will no longer be credited to their bank account.

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