Cylinder Delivery May Be Halted Without This Requirement; Government Revises Rules Amidst LPG Crisis

The Central Government has issued directives for LPG consumers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that it will be mandatory for all domestic gas connection holders to complete their e-KYC process.

Currently, there is widespread discussion across the country regarding cooking gas. Due to rising tensions in the Middle East, the demand for LPG in India appears to be surging rapidly. Amidst this situation, the Central Government has issued a crucial directive for domestic LPG consumers. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced that it is now mandatory for all domestic gas connection holders to complete their biometric-based e-KYC process. If consumers fail to complete this process within the stipulated time, they may face difficulties regarding gas cylinder deliveries or subsidy-related services in the future.

The government states that this measure has been taken to enhance the transparency of the gas distribution system and to ensure that LPG connections are utilized solely by legitimate consumers. Furthermore, Aadhaar-based verification will facilitate the identification of duplicate or fraudulent connections, thereby ensuring that subsidy benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

How Can You Complete e-KYC from Home?

The Ministry has clarified that the e-KYC process is entirely free of cost, and there is no need to visit a gas agency to complete it. Consumers can complete this process from the comfort of their homes using their smartphones. To do so, consumers must first download the mobile app provided by their respective gas company. In India, domestic LPG is primarily supplied by state-owned oil companies such as Indane Gas, Bharat Gas, and HP Gas. After logging into the app, users must select the e-KYC option to perform the Aadhaar-based verification. Additionally, consumers will need to download the 'Aadhaar Face RD' app, which facilitates biometric verification through facial authentication (face recognition). By scanning their face in accordance with the instructions provided within the app, the e-KYC process can be completed within just a few minutes.

Where to Seek Assistance if You Encounter Issues with the Mobile App? If a consumer encounters difficulties while performing e-KYC via the mobile app, they may contact their nearest gas distributor. Additionally, the government has issued a helpline number—18002333555—for complaints and inquiries, where consumers can register their issues.

Separate Rules for Ujjwala Scheme Beneficiaries

The rules regarding e-KYC have become stricter for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. It is now mandatory for them to complete biometric e-KYC before receiving their first gas refill of the financial year. If this process is not completed, their gas subsidy may be withheld, and they may also face difficulties in obtaining their gas cylinders. However, once e-KYC is completed for the year, it is not required again within the same financial year.