Biometric authentication becomes mandatory for subsidised LPG refills
The rule takes effect on 1 October, with 27.43 crore active domestic consumers reported as authenticated by 19 September.
From 1 October 2026, domestic LPG consumers must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication to book refills at the regulated retail price with the applicable subsidy.
The Petroleum Ministry says 27.43 crore active consumers, or 89.9%, had completed authentication by 19 September. Authentication is available at delivery, through a distributor or through oil-company mobile applications.
Why it matters
The rule affects access to a basic household fuel and the targeting of a large subsidy, with immediate consequences for consumers who have not completed authentication.
SCULTRA point of view
The public test is whether fraud reduction is achieved without excluding eligible households. Reporting should track authentication failures, assisted completion, grievances, rural access, privacy safeguards and subsidy restoration time.
Limitations
The release gives no demographic or geographic profile of the remaining unauthenticated consumers, expected exclusion-error rate, system-availability standard or independent privacy assessment. Market-price alternatives may not be equally available or affordable.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 19 September 2026.