LPG subsidy: Consumers start getting SMSes for declaring annual income

Public sector oil marketing companies have started sending SMSes to domestic LPG consumers in the State asking them to declare their annual income.

A consumer is entitled to 12 cylinders of 14.2 kg each in a year at subsidised rate. The consumers whose income is more than Rs 10 lakh per annum will have to pay the market price.

The declaration, however, is voluntary for the time being. 

The SMSes from oil companies – IOC, HPC and BPC – read: “If your/spouse income is above 10 lacs, LPG subsidy is not admissible as per govt directive. If so PL submit a declaration to your distributor or at www.mylpg.in.” The annual income includes that of the consumer and his/her spouse, a senior IOC clarified. 

IOC Assistant General Manager (LPG) Abhijit Dey said: “We have been sending messages to consumers in Karnataka from February 16. Consumers with above Rs 10 lakh annual income are not entitled to subsidised LPG. Sending messages is one of the initiatives to implement the government decision.”  

Oil companies will send voice messages to consumers who book LPG refill through the Interactive Voice Record System from March 1. Besides, the consumers can also declare their income by filling a form that will be made available at the distributor’s office. 

The Oil Ministry is yet to provide a download link.

Dey also said consumers who registered for GiveItUp need not make the declaration even if their income is above Rs 10 lakh. Under GiveItUp, consumers will have an option to again start availing the subsidy by opting out, but there is no going back once the declaration is made, Dey added.