New Delhi, September 19: Domestic LPG consumers will need to complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to book subsidised refills at the regulated retail price from October 1, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Saturday. The measure is intended to ensure that subsidy benefits reach genuine and eligible households while reducing the misuse of subsidised cooking gas.
According to the ministry, 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers, representing 89.9 per cent of the total, had completed biometric authentication as of September 19. Consumers who have already completed the verification process do not need to take any additional action.
Those who have not yet completed authentication will be required to do so before booking a subsidised refill. The government said the verification process is also aimed at identifying duplicate and ineligible LPG connections and preventing subsidised cylinders from being diverted for commercial or industrial use.
Consumers can complete the authentication during cylinder delivery, by visiting their LPG distributor’s showroom or through the mobile applications of the three state-owned oil marketing companies. These include IndianOil ONE for Indane customers, HelloBPCL for Bharatgas users and HP PAY for HP Gas consumers.
Consumers who do not complete biometric authentication will not be denied LPG altogether. However, they will receive cylinders at the applicable market price without the subsidy. They can register their preference through the digital platforms of the oil marketing companies, including websites, mobile applications, WhatsApp services and IVRS.
The government had earlier set several deadlines for completing the authentication process, with the final deadline extended to September 14. The nationwide biometric authentication drive has been underway since October 2023.
The latest requirement comes as the government continues efforts to improve the targeting of LPG subsidies and prevent leakages. Aadhaar-based authentication and database verification have previously been used to identify duplicate or ineligible connections and strengthen the delivery of benefits.
The ministry has urged consumers who are yet to complete the process to do so before October 1 through the available online, distributor or delivery-based options. Consumers seeking assistance with LPG services can contact the toll-free helpline at 1800 2333 555.