India LPG Aadhaar eKYC Clarification

The India — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in India issued a clarification regarding biometric India — Aadhaar authentication for LPG consumers, stating that eKYC is only required for unauthenticated users, not all customers. This clarification was made to address confusion caused by earlier reports and is part of ongoing efforts to encourage more LPG consumers to complete biometric India — Aadhaar authentication. The policy aims to improve transparency, establish clear eligibility, eliminate duplicate consumers, and prevent diversion of LPG cylinders. For beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, eKYC is required once per financial year for receiving targeted Direct Benefit Transfer subsidies after seven refills. The Ministry stressed that LPG cylinder supply will not be impacted regardless of eKYC status. This comes amidst a 17.7% fall in LPG consumption in India in early March due to supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict. The government, through Minister Suresh Gopi, has also highlighted ongoing subsidies and compensation to oil marketing companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.