The government has made Aadhaar-based biometric eKYC mandatory for LPG consumers who have not yet verified their accounts, in a move aimed at tightening subsidy delivery and preventing misuse. The clarification came from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which emphasized that this is not a new directive but part of an ongoing verification drive. Consumers who have already completed their KYC are not required to repeat the process.
The decision comes at a time when India is facing pressure on LPG supplies due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The situation has disrupted supply chains, triggered hoarding, and led to an increase in black-market activity. To manage the crisis, the government has curtailed commercial LPG supply to around 20% of average monthly consumption, prioritising domestic household needs.
Officials believe that enforcing eKYC will help ensure that subsidies reach genuine users while eliminating fake or duplicate connections. By linking LPG connections with Aadhaar and verifying them through biometric authentication, authorities aim to improve transparency and prevent diversion of cylinders meant for household use.
Not all consumers are affected by this requirement. Only those whose LPG connections remain unverified need to complete the eKYC process. Customers who have already completed Aadhaar authentication do not need to undergo the process again. For beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, KYC updates are required only once in a financial year, and that too after a certain number of refills to continue receiving targeted subsidies.
The government has made the process simple and accessible, allowing users to complete eKYC from home at no cost. Consumers can use their LPG provider’s mobile app, such as IndianOil One, Hello BPCL, or HP Pay, along with the Aadhaar FaceRD app. After logging in with their registered mobile number, users can select the eKYC option, complete a live face scan, and submit the request. The verification is typically approved within 24 to 48 hours.
Alternatively, users can visit the official LPG portal, select their gas provider, and log in to check their eKYC status. The process can be completed through OTP-based or biometric authentication, depending on the option available.
To complete the eKYC, consumers need an Aadhaar card linked to their LPG connection, a registered mobile number, a smartphone with a working camera, and a stable internet connection.
Current LPG Cylinder Prices in Major Cities
Here are the latest prices for a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder:
- Delhi – ₹913
- Mumbai – ₹912.50
- Kolkata – ₹939
- Chennai – ₹928.50
- Bengaluru – ₹915.50
- Hyderabad – ₹965
- Lucknow – ₹950.50
- Patna – ₹1,002.50
- Gurgaon – ₹921.50
- Noida – ₹910.50
The government maintains that the eKYC process is essential for ensuring fair and targeted distribution of subsidies. It helps identify genuine beneficiaries, removes ghost connections, and strengthens accountability within the system. Authorities have reassured consumers that the process is secure, user-friendly, and free of charge.
As supply challenges persist, consumers who have not yet completed their verification are advised to do so promptly to avoid any disruption in LPG services or subsidy benefits.