3.6 million Maharashtra LPG users miss biometric Aadhaar deadline

More than 3.6 million domestic LPG consumers in Maharashtra have not completed the mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication (BAA) ahead of the 1 October deadline, according to the state Food and Civil Supplies Department. The central government has mandated the verification to curb subsidy leakages and prevent commercial diversion of subsidised cylinders.

Maharashtra has over 25 million domestic LPG consumers, with more than 60% receiving a central subsidy of Rs 210 on a 14.2-kg cylinder, bringing the effective price to Rs 731. Consumers who fail to complete BAA by the deadline will have their connections blocked and lose the subsidy. They can switch to 5-kg or 10-kg non-subsidised cylinders or apply afresh. Compliance in the state stands at 85%, below the national average of 90%.

Department officials said most non-compliant users are likely 'ineligible beneficiaries', including commercial users such as food chains and hoteliers using subsidised cylinders meant for poor households. The Centre spent Rs 30,000 crore on LPG subsidy in FY27, while under-recoveries for public sector oil companies exceeded Rs 62,000 crore as of 31 August. Consumers can restore connections by completing BAA later.