Kolkata: Domestic LPG consumers who have not completed e-KYC may soon have to pay a higher, market-determined price for refills, with oil marketing companies preparing to roll out a dual-pricing system within the next 7–10 days, sources said. Around 20% of Kolkata LPG consumers are yet to update their e-KYC details.
Because the verification process is pending, the immediate focus is on both PMUY and non-PMUY consumers whose e-KYC remains incomplete so that genuine customers are not forced to pay more merely. However, the proposed system has also triggered confusion over non-PAHAL consumers — customers who have not joined the direct benefit transfer for LPG scheme by linking their Aadhaar or bank account. Until the clarification comes in, distributors have been advised to maximise e-KYC coverage.
Dealers are seeking clarity on whether non-PAHAL consumers will also have to complete e-KYC before the dual-pricing regime comes into force.
Under the proposed mechanism, e-KYC compliant consumers will continue to receive cylinders at the existing price of Rs 968 per 14.2kg cylinder, while non-compliant users will have to give consent before booking a refill at the higher market-determined price for commercial cylinders— a 19kg commercial cylinder now costs around Rs 3,000. The consent can be given through IVRS, apps for oil companies, customer portal or WhatsApp chatbot. Once consent is recorded, the refill will be supplied at the applicable higher price. Oil marketing companies have asked LPG distributors to identify customers whose e-KYC is pending and step up completion, especially those who regularly book refills. For such consumers, distributors will have to place indents and lift cylinders from bottling plants at the corresponding higher rate.