LPG eKYC: No Fixed Date For Compliance, Says Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, clarified that there is no deadline for complying with the eKYC authentication process for LPG cylinders.

Puri's response on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was in reply to a letter from VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Satheesan highlighted the inconvenience caused to regular LPG holders by requiring mustering at respective gas agencies.

On Tuesday, Hardeep Singh Puri announced that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been implementing eKYC Aadhaar authentication for LPG customers to eliminate bogus accounts and prevent the fraudulent booking of commercial cylinders. He noted that this process has been in place for over eight months, ensuring that only genuine consumers receive LPG services.

Explaining the process, Puri said, "In this process, the LPG delivery personnel verify credentials while delivering LPG cylinders to customers. Using their mobile phones, they capture the Aadhaar credentials of the customer through an app. The customer then receives an OTP, which is used to complete the process. Customers can also visit the distributor showroom at their convenience."

Additionally, Puri mentioned that customers can install OMC apps and complete the eKYC on their own.

"There is no deadline for this activity either by Oil Marketing Companies or the Central Government. It is also clarified by OMCs that there is no 'mustering' of customers at showrooms of LPG distributorships," Puri said.

He added that oil companies are issuing clarifications to the press to assure customers and ensure that no genuine consumer faces hardship or inconvenience.