LPG subsidy: Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory for subsidised refills from Oct 1

According to a statement released by the Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, domestic LPG consumers across the country will be required to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication to book refills at the regulated retail price starting October 1. The government initiative is designed to ensure that cooking gas subsidies are directed exclusively toward eligible households and to prevent the diversion of subsidized resources.

Data provided by the ministry indicates that the transition is already well underway, with approximately 27.43 million active domestic LPG consumers—representing 89.9 percent of the total user base—having already completed the necessary biometric verification as of September 19. For the remaining consumers, the ministry clarified that the ability to book subsidized refills will be enabled immediately upon the successful completion of the authentication process.

This policy marks a significant step in the government's broader efforts to digitize welfare delivery and improve fiscal oversight. Consumers who have already verified their credentials through the Aadhaar system are not required to take any further action. The ministry has encouraged those who have not yet complied to complete the process to avoid any potential disruption in their subsidized gas supply.