New Delhi: The Union government has clarified that biometric Aadhaar authentication linked to domestic LPG cylinders is not mandatory for all consumers.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a notice on March 15 stating that LPG users should complete biometric Aadhaar verification to continue receiving cylinder refills. This led to concerns that the process would be compulsory for everyone.
In its clarification, the ministry said the online KYC process is not a new practice and the latest communication was meant to ensure that consumers who have not completed biometric verification do so. Those who have already verified their details need not repeat the process.
The ministry added that beneficiaries under the Ujjwala scheme must complete the verification once every financial year to receive subsidy, and that it becomes mandatory when seeking the 8th or 9th cylinder after taking seven cylinders. Consumers can complete the verification from home free of cost, and cylinder supply will not be affected. The step is aimed at identifying misuse and irregularities in LPG usage.
