Government Clarifies LPG Biometric eKYC Requirements: Mandate Only for Unauthenticated Consumers

NEW DELHI, March 17, 2026 — The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued an important clarification regarding Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (eKYC) for LPG consumers, aiming to dispel confusion caused by circulating news reports.

The Ministry explicitly stated that the requirement for eKYC is not a “fresh direction” but rather a continuation of ongoing efforts to streamline the subsidy process. Crucially, the mandate applies only to unauthenticated customers; non-PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) customers who have already completed their eKYC in the past are not required to undergo the process again.

For PMUY beneficiaries, the Ministry specified that authentication is required only once every financial year, specifically to continue receiving targeted Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidies after the 7th refill—meaning on the 8th and 9th refills.

The government emphasized that the eKYC process is free of cost and can be easily completed by consumers from the comfort of their homes.

Most importantly, the Ministry assured the public that the supply of LPG refills will remain unaffected regardless of the authentication status, reiterating that eKYC is a transparency measure designed to establish clear eligibility, eliminate “ghost consumers,” and prevent the illegal diversion of subsidized fuel.