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
Bombay High Court Orders Maintenance of Offline LPG Booking System to Avoid Public Inconvenience The Bombay High Court has issued a significant directive to the central government and oil companies, mandating that the existing offline booking and delivery processes for LPG cylinders must remain operational to prevent hardships for the public. The court emphasized that any changes to the system should not create difficulties for ordinary citizens, particularly in areas with limited internet connectivity or where smartphone access is scarce. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the challenges posed by the government’s push for a fully digital distribution model. The court’s order, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Anil Kilore and Justice Raj Wakode, stated that while technological advancements are beneficial, they should not compromise the basic needs of the population. The directive specifically requires that delivery authentication codes (DACs) be mandatory for every cylinder delivery. This measure was introduced to streamline monitoring under the digital system but was later suspended, leading to widespread complaints from users. The court clarified that the digital system cannot be the sole method of operation, ensuring that offline processes remain viable. The LPG Distributors Association of India (LDAI) had petitioned the court, arguing that the transition to a fully digital system had caused significant disruptions. Association president Jayprakash Tiwari highlighted that the OTP-based distribution model had led to numerous issues, including delays in cylinder delivery and difficulties for rural and remote populations.#central_government #bombay_high_court #lpg_distributors_association_of_india #jayprakash_tiwari #lpg_cylinders
