e-KYC queues lengthen at LPG dealer outlets

Kolkata: With the deadline for completing eKYC for domestic LPG connections drawing closer, long queues have begun forming outside cooking gas dealerships across Kolkata and other parts of Bengal, as consumers rush to complete biometric verification rather than risk any disruption in cylinder supplies.Dealers said the footfall has increased sharply in recent days, with a large section of consumers preferring to complete the process physically at distributor outlets instead of relying on online verification. “Many consumers are not tech-savvy and can’t handle the app. They have no other option but to queue up before the dealer’s point. In some cases, name changes are required,” said LPG dealers’ spokesperson Bijon Bihari Biswas.For many consumers, the rush is being driven by one overriding concern — keeping the kitchen fire burning. “I know there is an online option, but I don’t want to take a chance. If something goes wrong and my booking gets held up, what will I do without cooking gas?” said Aparna Ghosh, a resident of Behala who was waiting outside an LPG dealership in New Alipore. “I would rather stand in a queue once and get it done at the dealer’s office.”Another consumer, Arup Sandhukhan of New Alipore, said uncertainty over whether an incomplete eKYC could affect future refills had prompted him to visit the distributor. “There are so many messages and different versions circulating. We don’t know what is correct. It is safer to get the biometric verification done here and be certain,” he said.The rush has, however, put LPG distributors under considerable pressure. Dealers said they were simultaneously having to manage regular cylinder bookings and deliveries, address consumer queries and process a large number of eKYC requests.“We are asking consumers not to panic, but everybody wants the verification done immediately. Many people, particularly senior citizens, are more comfortable coming to the dealership,” said a dealer. “At peak hours, managing the queue while continuing normal operations becomes extremely difficult.”Dealers said verification can also take longer when consumer records do not exactly match identity documents or when biometric authentication encounters connectivity or server-related problems. Such cases require additional checks, adding to waiting times.An oil marketing company representative said consumers should not panic and should rely only on official communication regarding eKYC requirements and procedures. The company maintained that consumers have multiple channels available for completing the verification process and that the exercise is intended to authenticate LPG consumer records and ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.Industry officials also cautioned against unverified social media messages suggesting immediate disconnection of LPG supplies for consumers who fail to complete eKYC by a particular date unless such action has been formally communicated by the govt or the oil marketing companies.Dealers believe the pressure could intensify as the compliance date approaches. They are urging consumers who have not completed the process to avoid waiting until the last moment.For households, however, the calculation remains simple. With LPG an essential commodity, many consumers say a few hours in a queue is preferable to even the perceived possibility of finding themselves without a cylinder when they need one most.