Odisha Introduces e-KYC for LPG Cylinders, Bans Open Market Sales
Odisha Introduces e-KYC for LPG Cylinders, Bans Open Market Sales
Odisha makes e-KYC mandatory to buy LPG cylinders, cracking down on black market sales and ensuring genuine customers receive their gas.
The Odisha government has made e-KYC mandatory for domestic consumers to avail LPG cylinders from distributors, a move aimed at ensuring only genuine customers get their gas. Officials say the requirement will cut down on black marketing and improve verification at the point of sale. The measure comes with clear instructions to LPG distributors to issue cylinders only to customers who have completed the e-KYC process and to crack down on those attempting to bypass the system.
Authorities have already intensified enforcement, with a recent raid in Dhenkanal district resulting in the seizure of 27 LPG cylinders believed to be part of illegal sales. Such actions are described as part of a broader crackdown on illicit distribution channels and are meant to reinforce transparent delivery to households and authorized dealers.
The government has also banned the open sale of LPG cylinders to curb misuses and ensure a steady supply for legitimate customers. To manage expectations and reduce wait times, officials say delivery timelines have been set at 25 days for urban consumers and 45 days for rural consumers, with assurances of adequate supply to meet demand. The move is framed as a public policy effort to safeguard consumer rights and safeguard the integrity of gas distribution networks.
Ministerial spokespeople emphasise that the e-KYC requirement will help distributors identify customers more reliably and prevent unauthorized access to cylinders. By tying cylinder availability to verified identities, the administration hopes to eliminate black-market activities and improve overall governance in the LPG sector.
