Nagpur: Thousands of domestic LPG consumers in Nagpur could face difficulties in booking subsidised refills after the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas made biometric Aadhaar authentication a key requirement for continuing LPG subsidy benefits from Thursday.
Consumers whose e-KYC remains incomplete are reportedly unable to book domestic refills at subsidised rates. Until they complete biometric authentication, they will have to purchase 5kg or 10kg cylinders at prevailing market prices, while the subsidy currently applicable to 14.2kg domestic LPG cylinders will remain unavailable to them.
The move has triggered confusion and complaints among consumers, particularly those who claim they have already completed the e-KYC process but whose biometric authentication has not been updated in the system.
According to industry data, around 27.43 crore, or 89.9% of active LPG consumers nationwide, have completed biometric e-KYC and continue to receive LPG cylinders with applicable subsidy benefits. The remaining consumers now face the requirement of completing the authentication process to restore subsidised bookings.
Several LPG agency operators in Nagpur reported receiving complaints from customers who were unable to book subsidised refills despite believing that their e-KYC formalities had been completed. Some consumers also alleged that their biometric details were not reflecting in the system.
The sudden disruption led to heated exchanges between consumers and gas agency staff at some locations on Thursday. Agency operators expect the number of complaints to rise over the next few days as consumers become aware of the new booking restrictions.
Consumers who are unwilling or unable to complete biometric authentication will have to register their status through the digital platforms of their respective LPG companies. Such consumers will not be entitled to the subsidy and will have to purchase smaller 5kg or 10kg cylinders at market rates, according to LPG agency operators.
For consumers who complete the biometric authentication successfully, subsidised booking is expected to resume once their updated status is reflected in the system.
Commercial LPG gets costlier in Nagpur
Adding to the pressure on the food and hospitality sector, the price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased by Rs 63.50 from Thursday as part of the monthly price revision.
In Nagpur, the price of a commercial cylinder has gone up from Rs 2,925 to Rs 2,988.50, while the price of domestic LPG has remained unchanged.
The latest increase is likely to push up operating costs for restaurants, hotels, dhabas and Saoji eateries, which depend heavily on commercial LPG for cooking.
Commercial LPG prices have witnessed repeated revisions over the past year, increasing the cost burden on food businesses. Operators may pass on at least part of the additional expense to customers through higher menu prices.
With the festive season already underway, the combined impact of higher commercial cooking costs and other operating expenses could put further pressure on consumers dining out in Nagpur.
