Aadhaar e-KYC Mandatory for LPG Consumers

• Aadhaar-based biometric e-KYC made mandatory for all domestic LPG consumers
• Verification can be completed from home via oil company apps and FaceRD app
• Failure to complete e-KYC may lead to subsidy suspension and refill disruption
• Ujjwala beneficiaries must update KYC every financial year before first refill

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th March: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made biometric Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC) mandatory for all domestic LPG consumers, in a move aimed at streamlining subsidy delivery and preventing misuse amid global energy uncertainties.

The directive applies to customers of public sector oil marketing companies including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. The ministry said consumers can complete the verification process from home using their smartphones through official mobile applications along with the Aadhaar FaceRD app, eliminating the need to visit LPG distributors.

Officials stated that the process has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. However, failure to complete the e-KYC process may lead to disruption in LPG refill services and suspension of subsidies until verification is completed.

For beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the norms are stricter. They are required to complete biometric authentication at the beginning of every financial year before availing their first refill to continue receiving subsidy benefits.

In addition, oil marketing companies have tightened norms for inactive LPG connections. Consumers who have not booked a refill for more than nine months may be required to complete KYC physically at distributor offices before placing a new order.

The move comes at a time when global energy supply concerns, particularly due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, have prompted authorities to tighten monitoring and ensure efficient distribution of LPG across the country.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving transparency, preventing irregular usage and ensuring that subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries.

Steps to complete LPG Aadhaar e-KYC from home:

• Download your LPG provider’s app (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum or Hindustan Petroleum)
• Install the Aadhaar FaceRD app (available on Android and iOS)
• Log in using your registered mobile number or LPG ID
• Select the e-KYC/Aadhaar authentication option
• Enter Aadhaar details linked with your mobile number
• Proceed with face authentication via the FaceRD app
• Complete the facial scan and submit for verification

Once completed, the e-KYC is generally valid for one financial year, after which it may need to be updated again depending on policy requirements.