Gas Cylinder Booking Update: How To Book LPG, New Rules, eKYC Process And Extended Refill Limits Explained

This article explains changes to LPG gas cylinder booking in India, including new lock-in periods, mandatory eKYC for PMUY beneficiaries, and the shift to online platforms. It also covers 5 kg FTL access and priority allocations to essential users to ease supply strains.

The continuing LPG shortage across India is affecting homes, transport and small businesses, even as the government insists there is enough stock and streamlined gas cylinder booking systems. Long queues, delayed refills and tense customers are still common, while states are pushing eKYC for LPG connections to tighten delivery checks and increase transparency.

From March, new refill rules and mandatory Aadhaar-based verification for many LPG users are changing how often cylinders can be booked and how accounts are authenticated. At the same time, authorities are urging people to move to online gas cylinder booking methods and to consider alternative fuels where possible.

LPG gas cylinder booking rules and lock-in periods

In March, the government changed the lock-in period for refilling domestic LPG, extending it from 21 days. The updated rule fixes a 25-day lock-in for urban users and 45 days for rural users. This applies to all domestic connections, including standard 14.2 kg cylinders and 5 kg cylinders, regardless of location or distributor.

These revised periods limit how frequently customers can place a fresh booking after the last delivery. Many consumers are reporting that the longer gap adds pressure during the current LPG crisis, especially for larger families and small commercial users who rely on domestic connections for daily cooking needs.

LPG gas cylinder booking, eKYC rules and PMUY users

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has made Aadhaar-based eKYC compulsory for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries. According to the ministry, the latest direction covers those LPG consumers who have not completed eKYC earlier. Non-PMUY customers who already finished eKYC are not required to repeat biometric Aadhaar authentication at this stage.

States are also asking customers without completed eKYC to update details quickly so that supply records match actual users. Officials say this is important for monitoring subsidised cylinders and reducing diversion. The emphasis on Aadhaar-based checks is also linked with digital gas cylinder booking, which relies on verified mobile numbers and accurate consumer IDs.

LPG gas cylinder booking online and priority usage

Authorities have advised citizens to use digital platforms for gas cylinder booking and avoid physical visits to local distributors unless absolutely required. Domestic LPG and PNG supplies have been placed in the high-priority category, with hospitals and educational institutions also listed for priority allocation during the ongoing supply strain.

The government has also promoted switching to substitute fuels where feasible, such as kerosene, coal and PNG. It stated that “States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.” Officials argue that these steps can ease short-term pressure on LPG cylinders in crowded cities and towns.

On 5 April, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said that States had been ordered to give preference to domestic and essential LPG needs and to monitor hoarding, diversion and rumours. Reports about FTL LPG shortages for migrant workers were discussed, and States stated that migrant supplies were stable and had not been interrupted.

The ministry further mentioned that the Secretary told States they could plan targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders with Oil Marketing Companies, depending on local demand patterns. This measure is aimed at groups like migrant workers or tenants who often lack complete address documents or full-sized connections.

LPG gas cylinder booking and 5 kg FTL access

The government has opened easier access to 5 kg FTL cylinders, removing the need for address proof. Production of these smaller cylinders has been increased, with officials reporting that about 90,000 units were sold on the previous day alone. These cylinders can help people who move often or stay in informal housing.

By widening the roll-out of these 5 kg options, authorities hope to support groups that struggle with regular documentation, including many seasonal workers. The change also links with the eKYC drive, as verified identity through Aadhaar is expected to reduce misuse, even when address proof is not requested.

LPG gas cylinder booking eKYC for Indane, Bharat Gas and HP Gas

LPG distributors are directing customers towards app-based eKYC processes that can be handled from home. For Indane, this involves the IndianOil One app in combination with the AadhaarFaceRD app. Bharat Gas customers are guided to complete eKYC through the Hello BPCL app, while HP Gas users are offered the HP Pay app or AadhaarFaceRD.

These platforms are available on Android and iOS and have separate roles. IndianOil One, Hello BPCL and HP Pay manage LPG services, bookings and profile details. AadhaarFaceRD is dedicated to biometric face verification. Together, they allow customers to submit facial authentication linked with Aadhaar without visiting LPG offices or Aadhaar centres.

Stepwise LPG gas cylinder booking eKYC for Indane users

Indane customers first download the IndianOil One app or AadhaarFaceRD app. After installing IndianOil One, users sign up using their registered mobile number and email address. The next step is to link the 16-digit LPG ID, printed on the cash memo or subscription voucher, so that consumer information appears on screen.

From the home screen, users open the 'My Profile’ section, check that LPG details are accurate, and select re-KYC. Instructions and conditions appear, and consent must be given. On the Face Authentication Advisories page, users tick the consent box, choose the Face Scan option and complete Aadhaar biometric verification. Locked Aadhaar biometrics must be unlocked first.

Stepwise LPG gas cylinder booking eKYC for Bharat Gas and HP Gas

Bharat Gas users start by downloading the Hello BPCL app, then registering after installation. On the homepage, there is an e-KYC option. After tapping it, customers reach a page where a six-digit OTP sent to the registered mobile number must be entered. Once verified, users read the terms and conditions, give consent and then proceed to finish eKYC.

For HP Gas, customers download the HP Pay app or use the AadhaarFaceRD app. In HP Pay, users register with the mobile number linked to the HP Gas account, then enter the OTP received. A four-digit MPIN is created for future logins. After logging in and allowing location access, users open 'MY HP’, choose LPG, and select e-KYC.

The app displays a terms and conditions page, where consent is required before tapping 'Capture Face’. This opens the Aadhaar FaceRD app, which scans the customer’s face. Following the on-screen instructions completes the eKYC process, tying Aadhaar biometric data with the LPG record for that HP Gas connection.

Even as queues and delays continue in many areas, the government’s approach combines stricter refill rules, increased digital gas cylinder booking, expanded 5 kg FTL access and compulsory eKYC for many users. Officials say these steps are intended to keep domestic and essential LPG supplies functioning while reducing diversion, hoarding and documentation gaps during the present LPG crisis.