LPG Consumers Panic Over e‑KYC Deadline

Hyderabad: With the e‑KYC verification deadline set for June 30, LPG consumers rushed to gas agencies fearing loss of government subsidy despite having updated their data earlier. Messages from oil marketing companies (OMCs) mandating e‑KYC even for those who had updated their data during booking cylinder refills, amplified by social media posts, triggered confusion.

OMCs said the Centre had issued clear directives making e‑KYC mandatory for customers wishing to continue receiving the ₹40 subsidy. Many rushed to complete the process after receiving messages, though the absence of a last‑date mention in the alerts added to panic.

“Almost 99 per cent of customers have updated their KYC. This process is meant to filter out ineligible subsidy beneficiaries. Panic is created due to social media and repeated messaging after each booking, but bills clearly show if e‑KYC is completed. Even if not updated, LPG service will not be cancelled,” said K. Narsimhulu, assistant manager, HP Gas Agency, Vijaynagar Colony.

Some agencies allegedly denied refills to customers without updated e‑KYC. “I brought my empty cylinder for a refill, but they refused citing failure to update. Now I must return home to fetch documents,” said Syed Ghouse, a consumer.

OMCs state-level coordinator (Telangana) Rohit Garg said the government aimed to ensure only genuine beneficiaries received subsidies. He added that the subsidy for those with annual incomes above ₹10 lakh was being cancelled under the long‑running ‘Give It Up’ campaign, based on income tax returns.

“This is part of the Give It Up campaign launched long back. It is a regular phenomenon based on income tax returns,” he told Deccan Chronicle.