Amid supply shortage, govt makes biometric authentication mandatory for all domestic LPG consumers

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday mandated e-KYC for all domestic LPG consumers.

MoPNG took to their X account and stated that all domestic LPG consumers are required to complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (e-KYC).

It added that people can verify from comfort of their homes using Oil Marketing Company’s mobile app and Aadhaar FaceRD app.

The consumers can visit the official website for more information or contact their LPG distributor.

India is facing LPG shortage driven by the West Asia conflict. Following this, many hoteliers and street food vendors are scrambling to find alternatives.

The West Asia crisis has led to the near-shutting of the Strait of Hormuz, from where approximately 90 per cent of India's LPG imports pass through. This has triggered supply concerns across the country, which has resulted in panic buying and a perceived shortage of LPG cylinders at many places.

Restaurants are more vulnerable than households as they rely almost entirely on 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders for high-volume cooking equipment such as ovens, fryers, grills, and high-speed cooking lines.

The impact varies across chains, with smaller outlets shutting immediately and larger chains experiencing capacity constraints.

Ministry issues clarification

On March 17, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that the LPG Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (eKYC) is required for only unauthenticated LPG customers, and not for all customers.

(With PTI inputs)