From The Economic Times · ET Online · · 1m 30s
India mandates Aadhaar for cheap cooking gas from October
Starting October 1, 2026, Indians must verify their identity with Aadhaar to buy subsidised LPG cylinders at controlled prices.
In brief
Starting October 1, 2026, Indians must verify their identity with Aadhaar to buy subsidised LPG cylinders at controlled prices. Biometric Aadhaar authentication becomes mandatory for subsidised LPG refills from October 1, 2026, to prevent diversion and ensure subsidies reach eligible households. Originally reported by…
Aadhaar check required for cheap gas
From October 1, 2026, Indians must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication to buy subsidised LPG cylinders at regulated prices. Those who skip it will pay full market price.
Most consumers already verified
As of mid-September, 89.9% of active domestic LPG consumers had completed authentication. The 27.43 crore who finished won't need to do anything new.
Three ways to get authenticated
Consumers can authenticate during cylinder delivery, at their distributor's showroom, or through their oil company's mobile app. IndianOil, BPCL, and HP Gas each have their own apps.
Subsidy prevents diversion
The government says the authentication requirement ensures subsidised LPG reaches eligible households and stops domestic cylinders being diverted for commercial or industrial use.
Subsidy costs government heavily
Domestic LPG sells below cost. The September 2026 subsidy was Rs 210 per cylinder. Oil companies' accumulated losses exceeded Rs 62,000 crore by August 31, 2026.
Opting out means paying full price
Consumers who refuse authentication can register their choice through their oil company's digital channels and continue buying 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders at market prices, subject to local availability.
The essence
Biometric Aadhaar authentication becomes mandatory for subsidised LPG refills from October 1, 2026, to prevent diversion and ensure subsidies reach eligible households.
