LPG Aadhaar Authentication: Why You Need It, How It Works and What Happens to Your Subsidy
The government said the authentication process is aimed at preventing subsidised domestic LPG cylinders from being diverted for commercial and industrial use and ensuring that the benefit reaches eligible households.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 20: From October 1, 2026, residential LPG customers seeking refills at the regulated Retail Selling Price with applicable subsidy will be required to complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA).
The government said the authentication process is aimed at preventing subsidised domestic LPG cylinders from being diverted for commercial and industrial use and ensuring that the benefit reaches eligible households.
As of September 19, 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers, or 89.9% of the total, had completed biometric Aadhaar authentication. These customers will not need to take any further action and can continue booking refills as usual.
Customers who have not yet completed the verification will be able to book subsidised refills at the regulated price once the authentication process is completed.
How to Complete Aadhaar Authentication
Customers can complete BAA at their LPG distributor's showroom, during delivery, or through the mobile applications of their respective Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Bharatgas: HelloBPCL app
Indane: IndianOil ONE app
HP Gas: HP PAY app
The mobile applications also allow customers to complete the authentication process from home.
Customers who are unable or unwilling to complete BAA can still obtain LPG, the government said. However, they will have to register their preference through their OMC's digital channels, including IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System), WhatsApp chatbot, mobile app or consumer website.
Depending on local availability, such customers will receive LPG in 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders at the applicable market price, without subsidy.
Deadline for Authentication and Customer Support
The original deadline for completing BAA was June 30, 2026. It was subsequently extended several times, with the latest extension announced on September 14.
The OMCs have been conducting a nationwide outreach drive since October 2023 to encourage customers to complete the authentication process. More than 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages have been sent, while distributors and delivery personnel have followed up with customers who had not completed the process.
Special camps have also been organised in rural areas, high-footfall locations and LPG distributorships to assist consumers with the verification process.
The government said domestic LPG is currently being supplied below cost, with the implied subsidy standing at around Rs 210 per 14.2-kg cylinder in September 2026, compared with Rs 721 per cylinder in June 2026.
Government Support to Oil Marketing Companies
To maintain the affordability of domestic LPG, the government provided Rs 22,000 crore in compensation to OMCs in 2022-23. It is providing another Rs 30,000 crore during 2025-26 and 2026-27.
According to the government, the accumulated under-recoveries of public-sector OMCs on domestic LPG had exceeded Rs 62,000 crore as of August 31, 2026.
Consumers who have not yet completed BAA are advised to use any of the available authentication methods before October 1.
For assistance with LPG-related services, customers can contact the toll-free helpdesk at 1800 2333 555.
