Patna: State-run oil marketing companies have initiated a process to discontinue LPG subsidies for consumers whose annual family income exceeds Rs 10 lakh, affecting lakhs of households across Bihar, including Patna.
As part of the exercise, consumers identified under the income criteria are receiving alert messages informing them of the proposed withdrawal of subsidy benefits. The messages state that recipients have seven days to raise objections or provide relevant information before action is taken.
High-Income Consumers Under Review
According to officials associated with the LPG distribution system, consumers or families with annual incomes above Rs 10 lakh are not eligible for LPG subsidies under the government’s guidelines. The ongoing verification exercise aims to ensure that subsidy benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.
Consumers who receive the notification have been asked to respond within the stipulated period. Failure to do so may result in the automatic discontinuation of subsidy benefits linked to their LPG connections.
More Than 20 Lakh Consumers Receive Alerts
Sources said alert messages are being sent to more than 20 lakh LPG consumers across Bihar. The communication includes details of the verification process and warns that subsidy benefits may be withdrawn if no response is submitted within seven days.
The move has generated concern among consumers, particularly those uncertain about their eligibility status.
Bihar Has Over 234 Lakh LPG Consumers
Official figures indicate that Bihar has approximately 234.65 lakh LPG consumers.
Of these, around 110.57 lakh are customers of Indian Oil Corporation, 57.05 lakh are served by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and 67.01 lakh are customers of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
In Patna district alone, the number of LPG consumers is estimated to exceed 13 lakh.
Government Employees and Business Owners Likely to Be Affected
The review is expected to affect government employees, senior officials, business owners and other consumers falling within the higher-income category.
Officials said the objective is to ensure that government subsidies are targeted towards economically eligible households and that ineligible consumers are removed from the beneficiary list.
Audit of Deceased Consumers’ Connections
Alongside the subsidy review, oil companies have also begun scrutinising LPG connections registered in the names of deceased consumers.
Using Aadhaar-linked records and other databases, companies are identifying cases where the registered connection holder is no longer alive. Families of deceased consumers are required to transfer the connection to an eligible family member.
Transfer Required Within 30 Days
Officials said families must complete the transfer process within 30 days of notification. If the connection is not transferred within the prescribed period, it may be permanently disconnected.
The measure is intended to update consumer records and prevent the misuse of inactive or unauthorised LPG connections.
Consumers Can Raise Objections
Consumers who wish to challenge the proposed action or seek clarification can contact the toll-free helpline number 1800-2333-555.
According to officials, the verification and notification process is being carried out under directions issued by the Central Government, with messages being sent directly through the oil companies’ central systems.
