Centre Strengthens PAHAL Scheme To Improve LPG Subsidy Delivery
ECONOMY & POLICY

Centre Strengthens PAHAL Scheme To Improve LPG Subsidy Delivery

The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL)–PAHAL Scheme, in operation since January 2015, ensures transparent and efficient transfer of LPG subsidies across the country. Under PAHAL, domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform retail selling price, with eligible consumers receiving their subsidy directly into their bank accounts.

The Government continues to introduce measures to make LPG distribution and subsidy transfers more transparent, inclusive and accurate. Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication and the removal of ineligible or duplicate connections have significantly strengthened the targeted subsidy framework. PAHAL has been particularly effective in identifying and blocking ghost accounts, multiple connections and inactive beneficiaries, reducing the diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial use.

A key reform has been the Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP), which enables systematic de-duplication of LPG connections by matching Aadhaar details, bank account information, household lists, ration card data, names and addresses. This has helped streamline consumer records and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to access the scheme.

Biometric Aadhaar authentication has also been prioritised for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and PAHAL beneficiaries. As of 1 November 2025, biometric authentication has been completed for 69 per cent of existing PMUY users, while all new PMUY beneficiaries undergo mandatory biometric verification before receiving their connection.

Efforts to weed out ineligible consumers continue. Since the rollout of PAHAL, 8.63 lakh PMUY connections have been terminated due to duplication or ineligibility. Additionally, in January 2025, a Standard Operating Procedure was issued to remove PMUY beneficiaries who had not taken any refill after their initial cylinder installation. Following this, nearly 20,000 inactive PMUY accounts were terminated by 1 November 2025.

A third-party evaluation conducted by the Research and Development Initiative found that more than 90 per cent of surveyed consumers were satisfied with the subsidy reimbursement system. The study recommends strengthening payment infrastructure, improving grievance redressal mechanisms and targeting subsidies more effectively towards economically weaker households. It also highlights the need for expanding safety awareness and improving communication in local languages.

To enhance consumer support, the LPG grievance redressal system has been expanded. Consumers can register complaints through multiple channels, including a dedicated toll-free helpline (1800 2333 555), OMC websites and mobile apps, CPGRAMS, chatbots, WhatsApp, social media platforms and at distributor offices. A dedicated emergency helpline (1906) is available for LPG leakages and accidents. Consumers can also provide feedback on complaint resolution and request reopening of unresolved cases.

This information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL)–PAHAL Scheme, in operation since January 2015, ensures transparent and efficient transfer of LPG subsidies across the country. Under PAHAL, domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform retail selling price, with eligible consumers receiving their subsidy directly into their bank accounts. The Government continues to introduce measures to make LPG distribution and subsidy transfers more transparent, inclusive and accurate. Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication and the removal of ineligible or duplicate connections have significantly strengthened the targeted subsidy framework. PAHAL has been particularly effective in identifying and blocking ghost accounts, multiple connections and inactive beneficiaries, reducing the diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial use. A key reform has been the Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP), which enables systematic de-duplication of LPG connections by matching Aadhaar details, bank account information, household lists, ration card data, names and addresses. This has helped streamline consumer records and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries continue to access the scheme. Biometric Aadhaar authentication has also been prioritised for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and PAHAL beneficiaries. As of 1 November 2025, biometric authentication has been completed for 69 per cent of existing PMUY users, while all new PMUY beneficiaries undergo mandatory biometric verification before receiving their connection. Efforts to weed out ineligible consumers continue. Since the rollout of PAHAL, 8.63 lakh PMUY connections have been terminated due to duplication or ineligibility. Additionally, in January 2025, a Standard Operating Procedure was issued to remove PMUY beneficiaries who had not taken any refill after their initial cylinder installation. Following this, nearly 20,000 inactive PMUY accounts were terminated by 1 November 2025. A third-party evaluation conducted by the Research and Development Initiative found that more than 90 per cent of surveyed consumers were satisfied with the subsidy reimbursement system. The study recommends strengthening payment infrastructure, improving grievance redressal mechanisms and targeting subsidies more effectively towards economically weaker households. It also highlights the need for expanding safety awareness and improving communication in local languages. To enhance consumer support, the LPG grievance redressal system has been expanded. Consumers can register complaints through multiple channels, including a dedicated toll-free helpline (1800 2333 555), OMC websites and mobile apps, CPGRAMS, chatbots, WhatsApp, social media platforms and at distributor offices. A dedicated emergency helpline (1906) is available for LPG leakages and accidents. Consumers can also provide feedback on complaint resolution and request reopening of unresolved cases. This information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam Unit 3

Rosatom has recently supplied nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor core at Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the second stage of the Russian-designed nuclear power project in southern India.The fuel was supplied by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division, managed by TVEL, and manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. The delivery includes the initial reactor load along with reserve fuel assemblies and is part of a long-term contract covering the entire operational life of Units 3 and 4.Building on operational experien..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

CBL International Enables First LNG Bunkering at Xiaomo Port

CBL International recently completed the first-ever LNG bunkering operation at Xiaomo Port, supplying liquefied natural gas to vessels operated by BYD in support of its maritime decarbonisation strategy. The operation was facilitated through a physical supplier in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which supported the port’s inaugural LNG bunkering activity. The milestone represents a strategic expansion of CBL International's sustainable fuel offerings beyond biofuels, while also diversifying revenue streams. As global shipping intensifies efforts to cut em..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aimtron, Aurassure Partner for IoT Weather Systems

Aimtron Electronics has recently entered into an OEM manufacturing engagement with Aurassure to produce new-age, IoT-enabled weather and environmental monitoring systems in India. The collaboration supports the growing demand for real-time environmental intelligence across urban, industrial and infrastructure applications. The engagement comes as global focus on climate-risk management and data-driven planning accelerates. The global weather monitoring systems market, valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2024, is projected to reach nearly USD 4.8 billion by 2034, driven by the rapid adoption o..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App