India implements mandatory biometric e-KYC for LPG subsidies

New regulations for LPG cylinder booking and subsidies in India will take effect on October 1. To continue receiving subsidized rates for 14.2 kg domestic cylinders, consumers must complete mandatory Aadhaar biometric e-KYC authentication.

Failure to complete the verification by the September 30 deadline will result in the immediate suspension of subsidies. Affected customers will be required to pay the full market or commercial rate for cylinders. Additionally, those without e-KYC may only be offered smaller 5 kg or 10 kg refill options. The government aims to use this measure to identify fraudulent connections, close duplicate accounts, and prevent the commercial use of subsidized domestic cylinders.

Consumers can complete the e-KYC process through their gas agency, via mobile apps, or by providing fingerprint or face authentication to the delivery person during cylinder delivery. For those who wish to avoid biometric verification, an ‘opt-out’ option is available through company portals or WhatsApp chatbots, though this will result in the loss of all government subsidies.

In rural areas, the minimum interval between two cylinder bookings has been reduced from 45 days to 25 days to provide greater relief to households.