India Plans Aadhaar Authentication for Subsidized LPG
India Plans Aadhaar Authentication for Subsidized LPG
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Key Points
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The government regulates LPG prices for more than 32.70 crore domestic consumers, including over 10.50 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. In June 2026, Ujjwala beneficiaries paid Rs 642 for a 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi, compared with Rs 942 for general consumers and a market price exceeding Rs 1,600.
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Domestic LPG’s implicit subsidy was estimated at about Rs 210 per 14.2-kg cylinder in September 2026, down from Rs 721 in June. The government said it paid oil marketing companies Rs 22,000 crore in compensation in FY23 and is paying Rs 30,000 crore in FY26 and FY27, while accumulated under-recoveries exceeded Rs 62,000 crore as of August 31, 2026.
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The authentication deadline had originally been set for June 30, 2026, but was extended repeatedly—to July 31, August 7, August 15, August 23, August 31 and September 7—before the October 1 implementation date.
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For consumers seeking help with LPG services, the government provides a toll-free helpline at 1800 2333 555.
India will require domestic LPG consumers to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication by October 1, 2026, to book refills at subsidized prices. Financial Express reports that 27.43 crore consumers—89.9% of active users—have already authenticated and need take no further action. The government says the measure prevents subsidized cylinders from being diverted to commercial use and eliminates duplicate or ineligible connections.
Consumers can authenticate during delivery, at a distributor showroom, or via mobile apps like IndianOil ONE, HelloBPCL and HP PAY. Those who skip authentication can still buy LPG but will pay market price—over Rs 1,600 per 14.2-kg cylinder—instead of the subsidized rate. Times of India notes the deadline was extended multiple times before landing on October 1.
Subsidy Costs Strain Government Budget
India subsidizes LPG for more than 32.70 crore domestic consumers, including 10.50 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries. In June 2026, Ujjwala users paid Rs 642 per cylinder while general consumers paid Rs 942—a gap reflecting government support. Daily Excelsior reports the implicit subsidy per cylinder fell to Rs 210 in September 2026, down from Rs 721 in June.
The government paid oil marketing companies Rs 22,000 crore in FY23 and is paying Rs 30,000 crore in both FY26 and FY27. Accumulated under-recoveries—money the government owes oil companies—exceeded Rs 62,000 crore as of August 31, 2026. Authentication aims to reduce these costs by preventing subsidy leakage to ineligible users.
Multiple Deadline Extensions Before Final Push
The government initially set the authentication deadline for June 30, 2026, but extended it seven times. The Hans India reports extensions came on July 31, August 7, August 15, August 23, August 31, and September 7 before the October 1 final date. Each delay suggested struggling consumer compliance despite the near-90% authentication rate.
Three Ways to Complete Authentication Before Deadline
Consumers have three options to authenticate: complete biometric verification during a gas delivery, visit a distributor showroom in person, or use their oil marketing company's mobile app. NDTV confirms all three channels remain open through October 1. The government provides a toll-free helpline at 1800 2333 555 for consumers needing assistance with the authentication process.
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