Starting this financial year, domestic LPG
consumers in India who receive government subsidies must complete an e-KYC
(electronic Know Your Customer) verification annually in order to continue
enjoying subsidy benefits. The verification uses biometric Aadhaar
authentication and is required by the oil companies Indian Oil Corporation
(IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL) in compliance
with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) policies.
Why Is This
e-KYC Rule Being Enforced?
The government and the oil marketing companies
say the annual e-KYC helps in ensuring that subsidies reach the right
households, avoid duplication or ghost beneficiaries, and make the system
more transparent. Moreover, it aligns with the broader push to
link LPG connections with Aadhaar and biometric data so that subsidy benefits
are delivered in a targeted manner.
What
Happens If You Don’t Complete e-KYC?
Here’s how the rules will apply for domestic
consumers:
The subsidy for the 8th and 9th refill
cylinders in a financial year (maximum nine cylinders are subsidised) will
be withheld until the biometric verification is completed.
If the e-KYC is completed before 31 March,
those withheld subsidy amounts will be refunded. Otherwise, the subsidy for the
year may be cancelled permanently.
Importantly, the gas cylinder supply will
not be stopped if e-KYC is pending the consumer can still receive the
cylinder but they will have to pay the full price without subsidy until
verification is done.
How to
Complete Your e-KYC: Three Easy Methods
Consumers of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL can choose
any of the following options to complete their annual e-KYC at no cost:
Via mobile app: Use the
company’s dedicated mobile app (for example, IOCL’s “IndianOil ONE” or HP’s “HP
Pay”) to do biometric Aadhaar authentication.
At the gas distributor’s office: Visit
your LPG distributor with your Aadhaar and bank account details to get e-KYC
done onsite.
By delivery personnel: The LPG
delivery person may carry an app-based verification tool and can complete your
e-KYC at your doorstep when they deliver a cylinder.
Consumers are urged to pick any convenient
method promptly to avoid losing subsidy benefits.
Key Things
to Keep Ready for e-KYC
Before you begin the process, ensure you have
the following:
Aadhaar card (or Aadhaar number) with mobile
number linked.
Bank account details (passbook copy or
cancelled cheque) linked to your LPG connection.
Valid mobile number registered with your LPG
distributor.
Your LPG consumer number from IOCL/HPCL/BPCL.
If doing offline via distributor or delivery
staff, keep any personal ID/address as required by your distributor.
Completing all correct details will speed up
the verification and ensure you continue receiving the subsidy.
What
Consumers Should Know Now
Even though verification is mandatory
annually, the gas cylinder supply will continue; only subsidy benefits
are at risk if e-KYC isn’t done.
The rule applies to both PMUY beneficiaries
and other subsidised domestic LPG consumers.
The official website to check details is the
PMUY portal → [pmuy.gov.in/e-kyc.html]
Distributors have been asked to run awareness
campaigns and assist consumers who face challenges. Many are emphasising this
ahead of the March deadline.
Why This
Change Matters for You
For many households, especially those relying
on subsidised LPG cylinders, this annual e-KYC rule is important because a
missing verification could mean losing the subsidy they depend on. Taking
action early ensures:
You continue getting subsidy benefits
on up to nine domestic refills a year.
You avoid last-minute rushes or technical
snags near the March deadline.
The LPG supply remains uninterrupted and your
household cooking remains unaffected.
You help maintain a transparent system where
benefits go only to eligible households—reducing burden on public resources.
What You
Should Do Right Now
Don’t wait: if you haven’t done e-KYC for this
financial year, complete it as soon as possible through one of the three
available methods.
If you don’t have a smartphone or face issues
in the mobile app route, visit your LPG distributor or seek help from delivery
personnel.
Keep your mobile number and bank details
updated with your LPG connection to avoid verification failure.
After e-KYC, check your bank account after
your next subsidy-credited refill to confirm the benefit is credited.
If you encounter any issues (verification
failure, technical glitches, distributor issues), approach customer-care of
your LPG company or call their toll-free help-line.
Final
Thoughts
The annual e-KYC requirement for LPG subsidy
is a measure the government and oil companies have introduced to ensure
subsidies reach the rightful beneficiaries and avoid misuse. While the process
is simple and free of cost, it’s crucial for all domestic subsidised LPG
consumers to act before the deadline. By completing the biometric
Aadhaar verification now, you safeguard your subsidy benefits, ensure cooking
gas continues smoothly in your home, and help strengthen the system for
everyone.
Be proactive, verify early, and keep your
subsidy intact.
0 Comments