LPG Cylinder Rate Update

As of March 17, panic buying of LPG cylinders appears to be subsiding, with bookings declining from 88.8 lakh to 77 lakh. This decrease in demand suggests easing pressure on the market.

Delivery Delays Persist

Despite the decline in bookings, delivery delays continue for customers who have already placed orders. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is working to resolve the issue through back-channel diplomacy to bring stranded oil and gas tankers back from the Strait of Hormuz.

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Biometric e-KYC Mandate

To streamline subsidy transfers and curb misuse, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made biometric Aadhaar-based e-KYC compulsory for all domestic LPG users. This directive covers customers of state-run oil firms such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.

Verification Process

Consumers can complete the verification process from home using their smartphones via oil marketing companies' mobile apps along with the Aadhaar FaceRD application. The process is designed to be simple and does not require visiting a distributor. However, those who fail to complete e-KYC may face disruption in LPG refills and suspension of subsidies until verification is completed.

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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana must complete biometric authentication at the start of every financial year before their first refill to continue receiving benefits.