Consumers using LPG cylinders are receiving fresh warning messages from oil companies after the Centre tightened checks on who can continue getting cooking gas subsidy. The notices say that if the annual taxable income of the consumer or spouse is above Rs 10 lakh, the subsidy may be stopped permanently unless the customer responds within seven days.
The move comes as oil marketing companies begin matching LPG customer details with Income Tax Department records. Consumers who still receive subsidy despite crossing the income limit are now being identified directly through official tax data.
Under government rules introduced in December 2015, families with annual income exceeding Rs 10 lakh are not eligible for LPG subsidy. The rule applies to either the consumer or spouse. Earlier, the system depended largely on self-declaration. Now, companies are enforcing it through integrated tax data verification.
Officials say the aim is to ensure subsidy benefits reach lower-income households and beneficiaries under schemes such as the Ujjwala Yojana.
The notice says objections can be raised through the toll-free helpline 1800-2333-555 or through the grievance portal of the concerned oil company. If no response is filed within seven days, the LPG subsidy may be discontinued permanently.
The government uses the “Gross Taxable Income” mentioned in Income Tax Returns as the main benchmark for deciding eligibility.
Officials have also warned that the rule may apply not just to personal income but also to combined family-linked income details available in official records.
Under this process, LPG cylinders are delivered only after customers share a verification code with the delivery agent. The system has now become mandatory for deliveries and is aimed at preventing unauthorised diversion of cylinders.
However, companies say cyber fraud attempts linked to fake DAC messages have also increased.
The company said genuine HP Gas messages come from the official sender ID “VM-HPGASc-S” and contain a four-digit OTP meant only for cylinder delivery.
The company stated: “The message came from the official sender name “VM-HPGASc-S”. It contains 4 digit OTP and OTP should be used only at the time of cylinder delivery.”
It also warned customers not to share OTPs over phone calls, WhatsApp messages or suspicious links.
A similar advisory has also been issued by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
What Indane users should check before sharing DAC
Cyber experts advise customers to first confirm whether they havehad actually booked a cylinder before trusting any delivery message. Consumers should check if the SMS has arrived from official sender IDs such as VK-INDANE or VM-INDANE. Customers should also verify the booking number, invoice details and six-digit DAC before sharing anything.
The DAC should only be shared when the delivery person arrives with the cylinder at the doorstep.
Bengaluru: Rs 915.50
Hyderabad: Rs 965
Indore: Rs 941
Raipur: Rs 984.50
Patna: Rs 1002.50
Jaipur: Rs 916.50
Dehradun: Rs 932
Andaman: Rs 989
Commercial 19-kg cylinder prices in these cities remain significantly higher, crossing Rs 3,000 in several locations.
The move comes as oil marketing companies begin matching LPG customer details with Income Tax Department records. Consumers who still receive subsidy despite crossing the income limit are now being identified directly through official tax data.
Tax records now deciding LPG subsidy eligibility
The latest messages being sent by companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited mention that the consumer or a linked family member appears to have taxable annual income above the permitted threshold.Under government rules introduced in December 2015, families with annual income exceeding Rs 10 lakh are not eligible for LPG subsidy. The rule applies to either the consumer or spouse. Earlier, the system depended largely on self-declaration. Now, companies are enforcing it through integrated tax data verification.
Officials say the aim is to ensure subsidy benefits reach lower-income households and beneficiaries under schemes such as the Ujjwala Yojana.
What happens if you receive the message
Consumers who believe the information is incorrect have limited time to respond.The notice says objections can be raised through the toll-free helpline 1800-2333-555 or through the grievance portal of the concerned oil company. If no response is filed within seven days, the LPG subsidy may be discontinued permanently.
The government uses the “Gross Taxable Income” mentioned in Income Tax Returns as the main benchmark for deciding eligibility.
Officials have also warned that the rule may apply not just to personal income but also to combined family-linked income details available in official records.
DAC system now mandatory for LPG delivery
Alongside the subsidy crackdown, oil companies have also tightened cylinder delivery checks through the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system.Under this process, LPG cylinders are delivered only after customers share a verification code with the delivery agent. The system has now become mandatory for deliveries and is aimed at preventing unauthorised diversion of cylinders.
However, companies say cyber fraud attempts linked to fake DAC messages have also increased.
How to spot fake LPG delivery messages
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited recently warned customers on social media that fraudsters may send fake delivery messages to steal OTPs and DAC codes.The company said genuine HP Gas messages come from the official sender ID “VM-HPGASc-S” and contain a four-digit OTP meant only for cylinder delivery.
The company stated: “The message came from the official sender name “VM-HPGASc-S”. It contains 4 digit OTP and OTP should be used only at the time of cylinder delivery.”
It also warned customers not to share OTPs over phone calls, WhatsApp messages or suspicious links.
A similar advisory has also been issued by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
What Indane users should check before sharing DAC
Cyber experts advise customers to first confirm whether they havehad actually booked a cylinder before trusting any delivery message. Consumers should check if the SMS has arrived from official sender IDs such as VK-INDANE or VM-INDANE. Customers should also verify the booking number, invoice details and six-digit DAC before sharing anything.The DAC should only be shared when the delivery person arrives with the cylinder at the doorstep.
LPG cylinder prices in Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities
According to rates shared by Indane, domestic LPG cylinders are currently priced at:Bengaluru: Rs 915.50
Hyderabad: Rs 965
Indore: Rs 941
Raipur: Rs 984.50
Patna: Rs 1002.50
Jaipur: Rs 916.50
Dehradun: Rs 932
Andaman: Rs 989
Commercial 19-kg cylinder prices in these cities remain significantly higher, crossing Rs 3,000 in several locations.
