LPG Aadhaar Rule From October 1: A new rule for domestic LPG consumers will come into effect from October 1, 2026. From that date, consumers will need to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication if they want to book a refill at the regulated retail selling price with the applicable subsidy.
However, the rule does not mean that people without Aadhaar authentication will stop getting LPG. They can still buy cylinders, but they will have to pay the applicable market price and won’t receive the subsidy. The government says the move is mainly aimed at making sure subsidised LPG reaches genuine and eligible households.
As of September 19, around 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers had completed biometric Aadhaar authentication. This accounts for 89.9% of all active domestic LPG consumers. Those who have already completed the process do not need to do it again.
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What Changes For LPG Bookings From October 1
Consumers who have already completed Aadhaar authentication will continue to book their LPG refills normally. Those who have not completed it will first need to finish the biometric authentication before they can book refills at the regulated price with subsidy. The process is therefore linked to access to the subsidised price rather than LPG supply itself.
People who are unable or unwilling to complete the authentication can also register their choice through their oil marketing company’s digital channels. These include the consumer website, mobile application, WhatsApp chatbot and IVRS.
Such consumers can still receive LPG at the prevailing market price without subsidy. They may be supplied 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders depending on availability in their area.
Why is Aadhaar Authentication Required?
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas says the move is intended to ensure that LPG subsidies go only to genuine and eligible consumers. According to the government, linking each LPG connection with an Aadhaar-authenticated consumer can help identify duplicate and ineligible connections. It can also reduce the diversion of subsidised domestic cylinders for commercial and industrial use.
The authentication campaign itself isn’t new. Oil marketing companies have been running a nationwide drive since October 2023. More than 12 crore SMS and WhatsApp messages have been sent to consumers, while distributors and delivery staff have followed up with people who had not completed the process. Special camps and other outreach efforts were also organised.
The deadline was extended several times. It moved from June 30 to July 31, August 7, August 15, August 23, August 31, September 7 and finally September 14, 2026. The October 1 rule now determines whether an unauthenticated consumer can access the regulated subsidised price.
How To Complete LPG Aadhaar Authentication?
Consumers have three main ways to complete the process.
- It can be done when the LPG cylinder is delivered, as delivery personnel can use the OMC’s mobile application for authentication.
- Consumers can also visit their LPG distributor’s showroom and complete the biometric process there.
- Another option is self-authentication through the official mobile application of the relevant oil marketing company.
Indane customers can use IndianOil ONE, Bharatgas customers can use HelloBPCL and HP Gas customers can use HP PAY. Consumers should use only official LPG company channels and must not share Aadhaar OTPs or other sensitive information with unknown callers or agents.
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How Much LPG Subsidy is Involved?
The amount of subsidy depends on eligibility and the prevailing pricing structure. The government said domestic LPG is currently being sold below its cost. The implicit subsidy on a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder was around ₹210 in September 2026. It was much higher at around ₹721 in June.
The government has also provided financial support to oil marketing companies to help keep domestic LPG affordable. It paid ₹22,000 crore in compensation during 2022-23 and is providing ₹30,000 crore each in 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Despite this support, accumulated under-recoveries of public-sector OMCs on domestic LPG crossed ₹62,000 crore by August 31, 2026. The government has said targeted subsidy delivery is important to ensure the benefit reaches the intended consumers.
