Today, September 14, marks the latest deadline for customers of Indane, HP Gas, and Bharat Gas to complete their Aadhaar-based biometric e-KYC. This is the fifth extension in less than two months, following previous deadlines on September 7, August 16, August 23, and August 31.
Why is LPG e-KYC Required?
The e-KYC initiative aims to verify LPG customers and ensure that domestic cooking gas connections are being utilized by genuine consumers. This helps prevent misuse and ensures subsidies reach their intended beneficiaries.
Uncertain Consequences for Missed Deadline
For those who have not yet completed the verification, the exact repercussions for missing the September 14 deadline remain unclear. While some reports suggest temporary service suspension or being charged commercial rates for cylinders, there has been no official confirmation that these consequences will automatically apply to every non-compliant customer. The government has not explicitly outlined the final treatment of all connections without e-KYC.
How to Complete Your LPG e-KYC
Customers have two primary methods to complete their verification:
- Online Platform: Utilize your respective LPG company’s digital portal. This typically involves Aadhaar-based authentication.
- Local Distributor: Visit your local LPG distributor to complete the process in person.
Required Details for Physical e-KYC
If opting for the physical e-KYC form, you will need to provide:
- Personal Details: First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Father's Name or Mother's Name, and a passport-size photograph.
- LPG Connection Details: Your gas consumer number.
- Contact Details: Residential address (including flat number, floor, building name, street, city, district, landmark, state, PIN code), mobile phone number, email ID, and landline number.
Acceptable Documents for Proof of Identity/Address
For identity or address verification, customers can submit documents from a prescribed list, which typically includes:
- Aadhaar Card (UID)
- Driving Licence
- Lease Agreement
- Voter ID
- Telephone, electricity, or water bill
- Passport
- Self-declaration attested by a Gazetted Officer
- Ration Card
- Flat Allotment or Possession Letter
- House Registration Document
- LIC Policy
- Bank Statement
Submission Process
Once the form is filled, submit it to your local LPG distributor. The distributor will cross-verify the provided information and documents against the originals before approving and signing the form with a date. It is crucial to collect the acknowledgement section of the form, ensuring it is signed or stamped by the LPG distributor or agency, as proof of submission.
Given the uncertainty surrounding consequences, completing the e-KYC process remains the safest approach for consumers to avoid potential disruptions to their LPG services.
LPG Refill Rules Changed for Rural Customers
In a separate development, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has instructed oil marketing companies to reduce the waiting period between LPG refill bookings for rural consumers. This interval has been shortened from 45 days to 25 days, aligning it with the existing 25-day refill interval for urban customers. This change comes in response to improved LPG supply conditions and reduced refill backlogs.