Current Context: On 19 September 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced that Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) would become mandatory from 1 October 2026 for booking subsidised domestic LPG refills at the regulated retail price.
Key Points:
- The measure is intended to verify genuine beneficiaries, eliminate duplicate or fraudulent connections and prevent subsidised domestic cylinders from being diverted for commercial use.
- Consumers who do not complete authentication may continue purchasing LPG cylinders, but they will not receive the applicable subsidy or price compensation.
- Consumers already covered: Around 27.43 crore domestic LPG consumers, representing approximately 89.9% of active consumers, have completed authentication and do not need to repeat the process.
- Authentication during delivery: Consumers can complete biometric verification when the delivery employee brings the LPG cylinder, using the authorised mobile application of the relevant oil-marketing company.
- Distributor facility: Customers may visit the showroom of their LPG distributor and complete Aadhaar authentication with the assistance of authorised staff.
- Online authentication: Face-based e-KYC can be completed through IndianOil ONE, HelloBPCL or HP PAY, along with the Aadhaar FaceRD application. Instructions are also available on the PMUY portal.
- Unauthenticated consumers: Customers unable or unwilling to complete Aadhaar verification must register their choice through the company’s website, mobile application, WhatsApp chatbot or IVRS. They can purchase LPG at the unsubsidised market price.
- Implementing companies: The requirement will be administered by public-sector oil-marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.
- Significance: Aadhaar-based verification will improve subsidy targeting, reduce leakage and ensure that government support reaches eligible household consumers without stopping the general availability of domestic LPG.
Question
Q1. From which date will Biometric Aadhaar Authentication become mandatory for subsidised domestic LPG refills?a) 25 September 2026
b) 1 October 2026
c) 15 October 2026
d) 1 November 2026
Answer: b) From 1 October 2026, consumers must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication to obtain domestic LPG refills at the regulated price with the applicable subsidy.
