India tightens LPG subsidy access with mandatory Aadhaar authentication

India is implementing mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication for all consumers seeking subsidised liquefied petroleum gas refills, effective from October. The measure aims to streamline the delivery of fuel subsidies and prevent misuse of government support meant for eligible households.

As of mid-September, approximately 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers—representing 89.9 per cent of the total consumer base—had completed the required biometric authentication, according to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. The high compliance rate suggests smooth adoption of the new requirement across the country.

The authentication process links consumers' Aadhaar identity with their LPG accounts, enabling the government to verify eligibility and ensure subsidies reach intended beneficiaries. This digital verification mechanism is expected to reduce duplicate registrations and plug leakages in the subsidy distribution system.

The October deadline provides a transition period for the remaining consumers to complete authentication. Officials have indicated that those failing to complete biometric verification may face restrictions in accessing subsidised cooking gas, though provisions for exceptional cases are being considered.