New Delhi, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : Domestic LPG consumers in India will be required to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication to continue booking subsidized cooking gas cylinders, effective October 1, 2026. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to ensure that subsidized LPG cylinders reach eligible households while preventing misuse for commercial and industrial purposes.
By linking LPG connections to authenticated consumers, the government seeks to eliminate duplicate and ineligible connections. This will enhance the distribution of subsidies to the rightful beneficiaries.
Consumers who have already completed biometric authentication will not need to repeat the process and can continue to book their LPG cylinders as usual. However, those who have not yet undergone this authentication must complete it before they can receive a subsidized cylinder.
Several options will be available for consumers to complete the biometric authentication process. During the delivery of the LPG cylinder, the delivery personnel will use a mobile application for real-time authentication. Additionally, consumers can complete this process at the LPG distributor’s showroom or through mobile applications provided by oil marketing companies.
Customers of Indane can use IndianOil One, while BharatGas customers can utilize Hello BPCL, and HP Gas users can authenticate via HP Pay. Those who opt not to undergo biometric authentication can still receive LPG supplies but will not be eligible for government subsidies and will have to pay the market price for their cylinders.
These consumers must register their preferences through their oil marketing company’s digital platform, using available methods such as web portals, mobile applications, WhatsApp chatbots, or IVRS. Depending on local availability, they will receive either 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders.
As of September 19, approximately 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers have completed biometric Aadhaar authentication, representing around 90% of total consumers in the country.
The government has announced that oil marketing companies will launch awareness campaigns nationwide starting October 2023. These campaigns will involve sending SMS and WhatsApp messages to consumers, reaching out through distributors and delivery personnel, organizing special enrollment camps, and providing reminders via IVRS. Efforts will also include awareness through digital and traditional media.
According to government data, the indirect subsidy on a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder was approximately ₹210 in September 2026. The government emphasized the need to ensure that subsidies reach only genuine and eligible beneficiaries amid rising financial burdens on public sector oil marketing companies.
Leave a Comment