LPG subsidy rule change from October 1: Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory

Domestic LPG consumers will have to complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to book refills at the regulated subsidised price from October 1, 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

Consumers who have already completed the authentication do not need to take any further action. According to the ministry, 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers, or 89.9 per cent of the total, had completed biometric authentication as of September 19.

What changes from October 1?

Consumers who have not completed biometric Aadhaar authentication will still be able to receive LPG cylinders. However, they will have to pay the applicable market price without the subsidy.

The ministry said consumers can regain access to the subsidised refill price after completing the authentication process.

The government has said the measure is aimed at ensuring that subsidised LPG cylinders reach eligible households and preventing the diversion of domestic cylinders for commercial and industrial use.

It also seeks to identify and remove duplicate and ineligible LPG connections.

How can consumers complete Aadhaar authentication?

Consumers can complete the biometric authentication process through several channels.

The process can be completed:

• During LPG delivery
• By visiting the LPG distributor’s showroom
• Through the mobile applications of state-owned oil marketing companies

The relevant apps include IndianOil ONE for Indane customers, HelloBPCL for Bharatgas consumers and HP PAY for HP Gas customers.

The ministry has said the process is not intended to deny LPG to genuine households and that eligible consumers have multiple options to complete authentication.

What if biometric authentication is not completed?

Consumers who do not complete the process by October 1 will continue to receive LPG cylinders, but without the applicable subsidy.

They can also register their preferences through oil marketing company websites, mobile apps, WhatsApp chatbots and IVRS services.

Consumers may also opt for 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders, subject to availability.

Why has the government introduced the requirement?

According to the Petroleum Ministry, biometric authentication links an LPG connection with an Aadhaar-authenticated consumer.

The government says this can help:

• Prevent diversion of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders.
• Identify duplicate connections.
• Remove ineligible connections.
• Make subsidy delivery more targeted and transparent.

The authentication exercise has been underway since October 2023. The government extended the deadline several times, with September 14, 2026, being the latest cut-off.

LPG subsidy amount

The Ministry said the government continues to provide significant support to keep domestic LPG affordable. The implicit subsidy on a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder was around Rs 210 in September 2026.

Consumers who have not yet completed biometric Aadhaar authentication have been advised to complete the process before October 1.