LPG eKYC rule: 3.6 million in Maharashtra still non-compliant

The mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication (BAA) rule for subsidised domestic LPG refills came into force on 1 October across India. Consumers who have not completed eKYC cannot book 14.2-kg cylinders at subsidised rates and must instead purchase 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders at market prices. The Times of India reports that some customers faced booking difficulties and grievances on the first day, with agency operators expecting more disputes in the coming days.

As of 19 September, 89.9 per cent of active domestic LPG consumers nationwide had completed authentication, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Hindustan Times reports that in Maharashtra alone, 3.6 million consumers had not done so as of 21 September, with state officials attributing most non-compliance to commercial users such as hotels and food chains. The Telangana LPG Distributors Association estimated 11 lakh users in that state are yet to complete eKYC.

Consumers who have not finished the process can still complete BAA and resume receiving subsidised refills, BusinessLine notes. The price of a 5-kg free-trade LPG cylinder rose to Rs 779.50 in Delhi from 1 October, while domestic cylinder prices were unchanged.

Update, 3 October 2026: ABP Live and Times of India report that the rule took effect on 1 October, with Times of India detailing consumer grievances on the first day in Nagpur, where some customers faced booking difficulties and agency operators expect more disputes. ABP Live notes nearly 90 per cent compliance and options for non-compliant users.