Aadhaar e-KYC made mandatory for LPG users across India, subsidy may be halted for non-compliance

New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India has made biometric Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC) compulsory for all domestic LPG users, aiming to streamline subsidy distribution and curb misuse amid concerns arising from the West Asia conflict.

While supply conditions have stabilised in India, the ministry said consumers can complete the verification process from home using smartphones through oil marketing company apps, along with the Aadhaar FaceRD app. The rule applies to customers of public sector firms such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.

The ministry said the process is designed to be user-friendly and does not require a visit to LPG distributors. However, consumers who fail to complete e-KYC may face disruption in LPG refills and suspension of subsidies until the process is completed.

For beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the requirement is stricter. They must undergo biometric authentication at the beginning of every financial year before their first refill to continue availing benefits.

Additionally, oil companies have tightened rules for inactive connections. Consumers who have not booked a refill for more than nine months may need to complete KYC in person at distributor offices before placing fresh orders. The move comes amid global energy disruptions and efforts to prevent irregular usage, and has gained traction online as a trending topic.