LPG: Big news for LPG consumers. The government has requested that all domestic LPG (cooking gas) users complete biometric Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC). This announcement comes at a time when there has been a slight decline in gas cylinder bookings recently, amidst tensions in West Asia.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas shared on the social media platform X that domestic LPG consumers can now carry out their e-KYC from the comfort of their homes using their oil marketing company’s mobile app along with the Aadhaar FaceRD app.
More from Sweta Mitra
Indane Gas customers can complete this process via the IndianOil ONE app. Bharat Gas customers can utilize the HelloBPCL app, while HP Gas customers can access the HP Pay app. All these applications are available on both Android and iOS platforms.
The ministry also mentioned that if any consumer encounters issues, they can reach out to their LPG distributor or seek assistance by calling the toll-free helpline number.
How to perform LPG e-KYC at home?
- To begin, download the mobile app of your LPG provider and the Aadhaar FaceRD app.
- Register or log in to the app using the mobile number linked to your LPG connection.
- Navigate to the app and select the e-KYC option.
- Input your Aadhaar number and permit authentication.
- Complete the face authentication through the Aadhaar FaceRD app.
- Once verification is successful, the system will confirm that the e-KYC process is complete and your LPG connection will be updated.
Decrease in LPG bookings
LPG refill bookings have dropped to approximately 7.7 million, down from 8.88 million previously, suggesting that the initial panic bookings are subsiding. The government, in its daily update regarding the situation in West Asia, stated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the country, and the supply remains completely normal. According to the government, the percentage of online LPG bookings has now reached about 87%, compared to around 8% earlier. Oil companies have initiated campaigns to encourage digital booking and discourage crowds at gas agencies.
The government also stated that all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity and have adequate crude oil reserves. Oil companies have also stated that there are no shortages at petrol pumps or LPG distributors.
No LPG subsidy for PNG homes
The government has also decided that households that already have a piped natural gas (PNG) connection will no longer be able to have a subsidised domestic LPG connection. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a notification in this regard on March 14.
Under this, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, has been amended. Under the new rules, consumers with a PNG connection at home will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection.