Domestic cooking gas consumers across India have until 1 October 2026 to complete their biometric Aadhaar authentication if they want to keep buying refills at subsidised rates. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced this requirement to ensure that state subsidy delivery is properly targeted and that leakage is reduced by linking each connection to a verified individual.

Official records show that 27.43 crore active domestic LPG consumers, representing 89.9 per cent of the national total, had already completed their verification by 19 September. Households that have already finished this process do not need to take any further steps.

Why biometric verification is now mandatory

The central government previously extended the authentication deadline through a series of extensions—moving from 30 June to 31 July, 7 August, 15 August, 23 August, 31 August, 7 September, and finally 14 September—before setting the firm 1 October cut-off. From 1 October, a strict administrative divide takes effect between subsidised cylinders and market-priced supplies.

Public-sector oil marketing companies have operated under substantial financial pressure. The government paid state-owned companies Rs 22,000 crore to compensate for domestic LPG under-recoveries in 2022-23, alongside Rs 30,000 crore in each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years. Despite this funding, total accumulated under-recoveries at state-owned oil companies exceeded Rs 62,000 crore as of 31 August 2026. Completing biometric authentication before booking the next cylinder is necessary for eligible households wishing to maintain access to regulated retail pricing.

How to complete face authentication on your mobile phone

Consumers do not need to visit an office to get verified. The entire process is free of cost and can be completed at home using a mobile phone. Users can start by scanning the official QR code or visiting https://www.pmuy.gov.in/e-kyc.html.

To perform the verification digitally, two applications must be downloaded onto a smartphone:

  • The mobile app of your specific oil marketing company.
  • The official Aadhaar FaceRD app.

Once both applications are installed, open your oil provider's app and follow the on-screen e-KYC instructions. The app will scan your face through Aadhaar FaceRD to verify your identity. Verification can also be completed through local distributors or delivery agents. Anyone needing guidance can contact the toll-free LPG helpline on 1800 2333 555.

Specific steps for IndianOil, BPCL and HPCL users

The digital face authentication process relies on company-specific mobile software:

IndianOil (IOCL, Indane gas) consumers: Download the IndianOil ONE app together with the Aadhaar FaceRD app. Select the e-KYC section within IndianOil ONE and allow the camera to scan your face. Watch video:

Bharat Petroleum (BPCL, Bharat gas) consumers: Install the official BPCL app and the Aadhaar FaceRD app. Log in, choose the biometric authentication option, and complete the face scan. Watch video:

Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL, HP gas) consumers: Download the HP Pay app alongside the Aadhaar FaceRD app. Access the e-KYC feature inside HP Pay to scan your face. Watch video:

Rules for Ujjwala beneficiaries and non-subsidised gas

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication once every financial year to receive the targeted subsidy of Rs 300 on their 8th and 9th refills. Refill supplies will not be stopped if verification is delayed. For PMUY households, the targeted subsidy continues up to the 7th refill and pauses thereafter, but unpaid subsidy amounts are granted once e-KYC is completed before the financial year ends. PMUY beneficiaries who complete the verification once in a financial year do not need to repeat it during that same year.

Gas deliveries will continue for non-Ujjwala consumers as well. However, consumers who choose not to undergo biometric authentication, or are unable to do so, will receive cylinders at full market price without any subsidy. Unsubsidised consumers must register their choice through company digital channels, including websites, mobile apps, WhatsApp chatbots, or IVRS systems. Depending on local stock levels, non-subsidised users can opt for 5-kg or 10-kg cylinders.