Nagpur LPG users without biometric e-KYC cannot book subsidised refills

Thousands of domestic LPG consumers in Nagpur may now face difficulty booking subsidised cylinders. From Thursday, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made biometric Aadhaar authentication a mandatory condition for continuing the LPG subsidy.

Consumers whose e-KYC is incomplete are reportedly unable to book domestic refills at the subsidised rate. Until they complete biometric authentication, they will have to buy a 5-kg or 10-kg cylinder at market price. They will not get the subsidy currently applicable on the 14.2-kg domestic cylinder.

The decision has left consumers confused, and complaints are coming in. Those who say they had already completed e-KYC but whose biometric update does not show in the system are among the worst affected.

According to industry figures, about 27.43 crore active LPG consumers across the country, or 89.9 per cent, have completed biometric e-KYC and are receiving cylinders with the subsidy. The remaining consumers will have to complete the process to have subsidised booking restored.

Several LPG agency operators in Nagpur said they had received complaints from customers who believed their e-KYC was complete but still could not book a subsidised refill. Some consumers allege that their biometric details are not showing in the system at all.

The sudden hurdle led to heated arguments between consumers and gas agency staff at some places on Thursday. Agency operators expect complaints to rise over the next few days, as people will learn of the new booking restriction only gradually.

According to agency operators, consumers who do not want to or cannot undergo biometric authentication will have to record their status on their LPG company's digital platform. Such consumers will not get the subsidy and will have to buy the smaller 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders at market price.

Consumers who successfully complete biometric authentication are expected to have subsidised booking restored, provided their updated status shows in the system.

Commercial LPG has also become costlier in Nagpur. Under the monthly rate revision, commercial cylinder prices rose by Rs 63.50 from Thursday. A commercial cylinder in Nagpur now costs Rs 2,988.50, up from Rs 2,925, while domestic LPG prices are unchanged.

The increase could raise costs for restaurants, hotels, dhabas and Saoji eateries, which depend heavily on commercial LPG for cooking. Commercial LPG prices have changed several times in the past year, adding to the burden on the food business. Operators may pass on at least part of the extra cost to customers through higher menu prices.

The festival season has begun. The combined effect of costlier commercial cooking and other expenses could put further pressure on the pockets of those who eat out in Nagpur.