In a written response to a Starred Question in the Rajya Sabha, Puri said the reforms, including Aadhaar-based verification, biometric authentication and a centralised LPG database, have strengthened transparency in subsidy transfers and improved targeting of benefits.
Puri said 67% of existing beneficiaries under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) have completed biometric Aadhaar authentication, which is now mandatory for all new PMUY connections. As of July 1, 2025, 92.44% of India’s 33.05 crore active LPG consumers have seeded Aadhaar in the system, with 86.78% of the 30.63 crore DBTL-linked consumers fully compliant for Aadhaar-based transfers.
The minister said Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have introduced Delivery Authentication Codes (DACs) to reduce pilferage, and SMS alerts now track refill status from booking to delivery. Nearly 194 crore refills were delivered in FY25, with just 0.08% complaints.
To prevent misuse, the government also terminated 8.49 lakh PMUY connections and 12,000 inactive accounts, and conducted regular and surprise inspections at LPG outlets.
Puri cited a third-party evaluation showing over 90% consumer satisfaction with the PAHAL scheme, while recommending stronger infrastructure, better targeting, and expanded safety awareness.
