LPG: Will gas cylinder supplies stop if Aadhaar authentication isn’t done?

According to government data, 27.43 crore (89.9%) active domestic LPG consumers across the country had completed their biometric Aadhaar authentication by September 19.

Important news has emerged for consumers availing subsidies on domestic LPG cylinders. In a decision taken on Saturday, September 19, the government announced that starting October 1, domestic LPG customers must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication to book refills at the subsidized retail price. The objective is to ensure that subsidized gas cylinders reach only eligible households.

Customers who have already completed the authentication do not need to take any further action. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 27.43 crore active domestic LPG customers (89.9% of the total) had completed their biometric Aadhaar authentication by September 19. For those who have not yet completed this process, the facility to book subsidized refills will become available once the authentication is done.

How to complete biometric authentication?

The government has clarified that the aim of this rule is not to cause inconvenience; therefore, several very easy options have been provided to complete the process:

You can complete your fingerprint or Face-ID authentication instantly from the comfort of your home when the LPG delivery person arrives to deliver the cylinder, using their mobile device or biometric scanner. Alternatively, you can visit the office or showroom of your gas agency (such as Indane, HP, or Bharat Gas) and complete the e-KYC process in minutes at the biometric counter installed there.

Customers can also perform Aadhaar face-authentication themselves from home using the official mobile apps of the respective Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)—such as ‘IndianOil ONE’ for Indane, ‘HelloBPCL’ for Bharatgas, and ‘HP PAY’ for HP Gas. You can also contact the government’s toll-free helpline number, 1800 2333 555, for any issues or inquiries related to this.

Deadline Extended Seven Times

This nationwide authentication drive has been underway since October 2023. As part of this initiative, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have sent over 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages to customers over the past three years to raise awareness. They are reaching out to people through distributors, delivery personnel, special camps, IVRS prompts, and other channels. This new government move comes amidst the substantial financial assistance provided to keep domestic LPG prices low.

According to data, the hidden subsidy per 14.2 kg cylinder reached ₹721 in June of this year; this means the government was shouldering a massive financial burden of ₹721 per cylinder to provide them to customers at a price far below international rates. This figure subsequently dropped to ₹210 per cylinder in September following the normalization and correction of prices in international markets. Eliminating fake connections has become essential to ensure this heavy financial burden is directed toward the intended beneficiaries.

Will LPG Cylinders Be Unavailable After October 1?

LPG supplies will not stop completely after October 1; however, if you have not verified your identity using Aadhaar, you may face difficulties in purchasing LPG cylinders at subsidized rates. Such customers might have to buy LPG at market rates. According to the government, options for 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders may also be available for such customers, depending on need and availability. In essence, the issue is not about the discontinuation of LPG cylinders, but rather about availing the benefit of subsidized pricing.