LPG Reforms: Bombay High Court Orders Review of OTP System for Domestic Cylinder Delivery The Bombay High Court has directed the central government and public sector oil companies to reconsider the implementation of a digital authentication system for the delivery of domestic LPG cylinders. The court emphasized the need to maintain continuity in offline booking and distribution mechanisms, allowing for exceptions to the current OTP-based verification system. The directive follows a petition filed by the LPG Distributors Association of India, which argued that the mandatory OTP verification system has caused significant hardships, particularly for rural and remote area consumers. The association highlighted that connectivity issues, technical glitches, and website disruptions frequently prevent customers from obtaining the required verification codes, leading to delays in cylinder delivery. The controversy began after the outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, which triggered a global shortage of crude oil and LPG. In response, the Indian government mandated the use of a digital authentication mechanism for the distribution of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders. Initially, 50% of deliveries were subject to this system, but it was later expanded to 95%. On April 4, 2026, a WhatsApp message was sent to all stakeholders, making DAC (Digital Authentication Code) verification mandatory for 100% of deliveries. The message also warned that distributors failing to comply would face penalties. The petition, filed by association president Jayprakash Tiwari, argued that the OTP system has exacerbated existing challenges for rural consumers.#iran_israel_conflict #bombay_high_court #lpg_distributors_association_of_india #jayprakash_tiwari #digital_authentication_system
