India LPG Update: Mandatory e-KYC Rollout Amid Regional Supply Crisis

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has officially mandated biometric Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC) for India’s 330 million domestic LPG consumers. This move, aimed at eliminating ghost accounts and ensuring targeted delivery of subsidies, comes at a critical time as the US-Israel-Iran war continues to disrupt global energy supply chains.

1. Mandatory e-KYC: How to Verify at Home

To avoid congestion at gas agencies, the government has introduced a digital solution for self-verification:

• The Process: Consumers can complete their e-KYC using their respective Oil Marketing Company (OMC) mobile apps (IndianOil ONE, BharatGas, or HPPay) in conjunction with the Aadhaar FaceRD app.
• Ujjwala (PMUY) Beneficiaries: Annual biometric authentication is strictly mandatory for the 105.1 million PMUY users to continue receiving their ₹300 subsidy.
• Supply Rule: While the first seven refills in a financial year can be obtained without e-KYC, authentication is required to unlock additional subsidized cylinders.

2. Current LPG Prices (As of March 16, 2026)

Domestic LPG prices remain at the elevated levels established during the March 7 price revision, which saw a ₹60 hike per cylinder due to the “energy supply crunch” in West Asia.

*Estimated cost after the ₹300 central subsidy for Ujjwala beneficiaries.

3. Supply Crisis & The “Strait of Hormuz” Factor

The Ministry of Petroleum and Minister of State Suresh Gopi have addressed growing public concerns over gas shortages:

• Maritime Blockade: With 90% of India’s LPG imports typically transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing conflict has significantly hampered maritime traffic.
• Positive Development: As of March 14-15, at least three Indian LPG carriers have successfully crossed the Strait under heightened security, with approximately 92,700 tonnes of LPG currently en route to Gujarat ports.
• Rationing Measures: In Delhi and Varanasi, OMCs have implemented a 25-day lock-in period between bookings for domestic cylinders to prevent panic hoarding.

4. Government Advisory

• Essential Services: Priority for LPG supply is currently being given to hospitals, crematoriums, and educational institutions.
• Alternative Cooking: The government has advised households to supplement LPG use with induction cooktops or microwaves where possible to offset potential localized shortages.
• Anti-Hoarding: Strict action is being taken against black marketing, with recent raids in Beed and Lucknow seizing hundreds of illegally stored cylinders.

Actionable Summary for Consumers

• e-KYC Deadline: No fixed terminal date has been announced yet, but users are urged to complete it via mobile apps to ensure uninterrupted online booking.
• Booking: You can only book a new cylinder 25 days after your last delivery.
• Safety: Do not share OTPs with unofficial callers; only use the official OMC apps.