The government has taken a very big and strict decision regarding subsidized domestic LPG cylinders. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, biometric Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for booking subsidized domestic LPG refills from October 1, 2026. The government wants to ensure that the benefit of subsidized cooking gas available in the country reaches only the right and eligible families, so that its misuse can be prevented.
More than 27 crore customers have done authentication
It is a matter of relief that a total of 27.43 crore active customers of the country have already completed their biometric authentication. There is no need for such consumers to do anything further. According to petroleum and ministry data, by September 19, such a large number of people had completed this process. The Ministry clearly says that for those who have not yet completed this process, their subsidized refill booking will start immediately as soon as they complete their authentication. The main objective of this step of the government is to prevent subsidized domestic cylinders from being diverted for commercial and industrial use and also to completely eliminate all duplicate and ineligible connections.
Complete the process easily at home or like this
If your authentication is still pending, then there is no need to worry. Customers can easily complete this task through the attendant who comes at the time of LPG delivery, by visiting their nearest distributor's showroom or through the mobile apps of the respective Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of the government. 'IndianOil ONE' app can be used for Indane gas, 'HelloBPCL' for Bharat gas and 'HP PAY' app can be used for HP gas. Those who do not want or are unable to get biometric authentication done for any reason will also continue to get LPG, but for this they will have to pay the full market price applicable without subsidy.
Non-subsidized customers will have to indicate their preference.
Consumers who do not want to undergo biometric authentication will have to convey their preference to the government through various digital channels of OMCs such as official website, mobile app, WhatsApp chatbot and IVRS. After this, depending on the local availability, they will be able to get 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders at market price. Let us tell you that the government had initially asked the customers to complete the biometric Aadhaar authentication only by June 30, but for the convenience of the general public, this deadline was extended several times, including 31 July, 7 August, 15 August, 23 August, 31 August, 7 September and finally its last date was extended to 14 September 2026.
More than 12 crore messages sent and huge expenditure of the government
To make this authentication successful in the entire country, this special campaign is being run continuously from October 2023. Oil marketing companies of the country have so far sent more than 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages. Apart from this, people are also being continuously reached out through distributors, delivery staff, special camps and IVRS prompts. This new and tough step has been taken at a time when the government is providing huge financial assistance to keep domestic LPG cheap. According to the ministry, the hidden subsidy on a 14.2 kg cylinder was around Rs 210 in September 2026, while in the month of June it increased to around Rs 721.
The ministry has also informed that the government had given Rs 22,000 crore to government oil marketing companies to compensate for the huge losses incurred on domestic LPG in the year 2022-23 and Rs 30,000 crore is being given every year during the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27. Despite such huge financial assistance, the 'underrecovery' accumulated for domestic LPG on government OMCs had reached more than Rs 62,000 crore by August 31, 2026.
The rules will change completely from October 1
Due to the strict requirement of authentication, there will now be a clear and real distinction between subsidized LPG and market priced LPG from October 1. It will be mandatory for households who can get subsidy under the rules to complete biometric authentication before booking the next refill, so that they do not lose the benefit of their fixed subsidy. The main objective of the government and OMC is to ensure that the subsidy money reaches the right hands and any kind of leakage is completely stopped. The government has appealed to all the remaining customers to complete their authentication before October 1 at all costs through online, distributor or delivery channels. If any kind of assistance is required, consumers can contact the official LPG service helpline number 1800 2333 555.