LPG Cylinder Rules Changing Soon: What May 1 Updates Mean for Your Gas Supply

From May 1, LPG consumers across India will face stricter booking intervals, mandatory OTP-based delivery, and eKYC requirements, as the government tightens rules to curb misuse and streamline supply.

LPG Cylinder Booking to Change from May 1

New Delhi: India is set to implement major changes in its LPG cylinder booking and delivery system starting May 1. The revised guidelines aim to reduce misuse, prevent black marketing, and improve transparency in distribution.

Booking Interval Extended

One of the key changes is the increase in the minimum gap between LPG bookings. In urban areas, consumers must now wait 25 days between bookings, up from the earlier 21 days. In rural regions, this gap may extend up to 45 days. The system will automatically reject any booking requests made before the eligible date.

OTP-Based Delivery Becomes Compulsory

The government is making OTP-based authentication mandatory for LPG cylinder delivery. Known as the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC), this system ensures that cylinders are handed over only after verification via a one-time password sent to the registered mobile number. Physical documents like the blue book will no longer be accepted as proof.

Aadhaar eKYC Required for Ujjwala Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana must complete Aadhaar-based eKYC if they have not already done so. This biometric verification step is intended to ensure that subsidies reach the rightful recipients and eliminate duplicate or fraudulent connections.

Possible Price Revisions Ahead

LPG prices have already seen recent increases, with domestic cylinders becoming costlier by Rs 60 and Commercial cylinders have experienced multiple price hikes in a short span. With global supply pressures continuing, another revision in prices is expected around May 1.

Supply Challenges and Imports

India currently faces a gap between LPG demand and domestic production. While the country consumes around 80,000 tonnes daily, production stands at approximately 46,000 tonnes. To bridge this shortfall, additional imports from the United States are expected in the coming months.

What Consumers Should Do

Consumers are advised to ensure their mobile numbers are updated in their LPG accounts to receive OTPs without disruption. It is also important to check the next eligible booking date via official portals to avoid inconvenience under the new system.

These new changes mark a significant shift toward a more regulated and transparent LPG distribution framework in India.