LPG Aadhaar authentication from October 1: What changes for consumers

Domestic LPG consumers from October 1 (Thursday) will need to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication to book refills at the regulated retail selling price (RSP) with the applicable subsidy. However, the new requirement does not mean that households without Aadhaar authentication will be denied LPG. Consumers who do not complete the process will still be able to buy LPG, but they will have to pay the applicable market price and will not receive the subsidy, subject to conditions set by oil marketing companies (OMCs). 

The change, therefore, is primarily about access to subsidised LPG rather than a blanket stoppage of supply. 

Who needs to complete Aadhaar authentication? 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) said 274.3 million active domestic LPG consumers, or 89.9% of the total, had completed biometric Aadhaar authentication as of September 19. Consumers who have already completed the process do not need to repeat it. 

For authenticated consumers, refill bookings will continue as before. Those who have not completed the process will need to do so to access subsidised refills at the regulated price. 

The distinction is important. An unauthenticated consumer can still obtain LPG but will have to pay the applicable market price. Consumers who are unwilling or unable to complete Aadhaar authentication can register their choice through their OMC's digital channels, including its website, mobile application, WhatsApp chatbot or interactive voice response system (IVRS). They can then receive 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders at the applicable market price, subject to local availability. 

Why is the government making Aadhaar authentication mandatory? 

The government says the exercise is aimed at ensuring that LPG subsidies reach genuine and eligible households. Linking an LPG connection to an Aadhaar-authenticated consumer can also help identify duplicate or ineligible connections and prevent subsidised domestic cylinders from being diverted for commercial or industrial use. 

The authentication drive is not new. OMCs have been conducting a nationwide exercise since October 2023. The government said more than 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages have been sent to consumers, while distributors and delivery personnel have followed up with those who had not completed the process. Special camps and other outreach measures have also been organised. 

The deadline was extended several times—from June 30 to July 31, August 7, August 15, August 23, August 31, September 7, and finally September 14. From October 1, the authentication requirement will determine whether a consumer can access the regulated price with the applicable subsidy. 

How can consumers complete Aadhaar authentication? 

Consumers can complete biometric Aadhaar authentication through three main routes. The process can be completed at the time of LPG delivery, with the delivery person using the OMC's mobile application. Consumers can also visit their LPG distributor's showroom to complete the process. 

The third option is self-authentication through the relevant OMC mobile application. Indane customers can use IndianOil ONE, Bharatgas customers can use HelloBPCL, and HP Gas customers can use HP PAY. Consumers should use only official OMC channels for authentication and avoid sharing Aadhaar OTPs or other sensitive information with unknown callers, agents or third parties. 

How much subsidy is involved? 

The financial benefit will vary depending on a consumer's eligibility and the prevailing LPG pricing and subsidy structure. 

According to the government, domestic LPG is currently being sold below its cost. The implicit subsidy on a 14.2 kg cylinder was around ₹210 in September 2026, compared with ₹721 in June. 

The government has also been compensating OMCs to keep domestic LPG affordable. It paid ₹22,000 crore in compensation in 2022-23 and is providing ₹30,000 crore each in 2025-26 and 2026-27, according to the ministry. Despite this support, accumulated under-recoveries of public-sector OMCs on domestic LPG exceeded ₹62,000 crore as of August 31, 2026. 

The authentication exercise is therefore also aimed at ensuring that the subsidy burden is directed towards eligible consumers rather than duplicate or ineligible connections. 

What should LPG consumers do now? 

Consumers who have already completed biometric Aadhaar authentication do not need to take any further action. 

Those who have not completed the process should do so before their next subsidised refill booking. They can complete the authentication through the delivery person, the LPG distributor or the relevant OMC app.