To modernize their procedures, some of India’s leading Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) like BPCL, Indian Oil, and HPCL have begun employing a more stringent verification process for LPG cylinder deliveries. The new system aims to better align and ensure that cylinders are delivered to authentic customers. Now, customers must provide an LPG Delivery Authentication Code, an OTP sent to the customer’s mobile, at the time of delivery. LPG cylinder delivery will be cancelled if this OTP is not provided.
BPCL Introduces DAC for LPG Deliveries
As part of the security and reliability enhancement of the delivery process, BPCL has announced the DAC facility for commercial LPG deliveries, making OTP-based DAC verification a mandatory step to prevent unauthorized deliveries, curb diversion of services, and ensure delivery of cylinders to the actual customer.
As per the advisory, the DAC should be shared only after the customer physically receives the LPG cylinder at the point of delivery. Post-delivery and authentication of the delivery, a digital cash memo will be generated and sent to the customer. According to BPCL, the new process is an additional measure in the modernization of the LPG distribution system, which aims to ensure safety and security.
Indian Oil and HPCL Also Implement OTP Delivery
Some other significant players in the LPG sector, like Indian Oil and HPCL, have mandated their customers to be ready with their OTP for the delivery of cylinders. HPCL has warned customers about the possibility of receiving fraudulent LPG delivery messages. To keep safe, customers should check whether the OTP message is sent from the legitimate sender and contains a valid four-digit OTP meant for the delivery of cylinders only.
How to Recognize a Valid HP Gas OTP Message
HPCL has said that its staff will not be asking customers for their OTPs over the phone, through WhatsApp, over social media, or via any other suspicious link. The OTP should only be revealed to the delivery staff at the time of delivery.
Customers should check that:
- The message is from the legitimate sender.
- The message contains a four-digit OTP.
- The OTP is being used exclusively in the cylinder delivery.
Why is the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) System Being Implemented?
The main objective of the DAC system is to ensure that LPG cylinders are being delivered to genuine customers only. The government expects that the system will help reduce the illegal selling of LPG cylinders in the market, the diversion of subsidised cylinders, and the hoarding of LPG cylinders. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced OTP-based delivery verification as a primary step to enhance the accountability of the LPG delivery system.
Increased safety has also been noted in that the OTP is sent to the customer’s registered mobile number. The OTP being sent to the customer’s registered mobile number means that there is a very low chance that the OTP will be misused, so long as the customer does not share the OTP with anyone.
Booking a LPG Refill in These Easy Steps
Indane Gas, BharatGas, or HP Gas customers can also book their refill using the Mobile App or official website. Here’s how:
- Open the LPG provider’s mobile App / official website.
- Log in using your registered mobile number / LPG consumer ID.
- Choose the refill booking option and confirm the booking details. Tap on book now.
- You will receive a booking confirmation number.
- You can track the delivery through SMS and in the App.
- What to Expect when you book LPG Delivery
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive notifications when your delivery is due. On the day of delivery, a one-time password will be sent to your registered mobile number. The OTP should only be shared with the delivery person once the LPG Cylinder is in your possession. The delivery process will be complete, and a digital receipt will be generated.
Booking LPG Refills will Still Follow Existing Rules
Booking LPG Refills will still follow existing rules. The OTP Verification System is mandatory, yet the timelines for booking LPG Refills will remain unchanged. Rural booking will still be allowed once every 25 days, while urban booking will still be allowed once every 45 days.
The use of DAC-based authentication will help support the transparency and security of LPG distribution. To keep everything working as it should, customers are encouraged to keep their registered phone number active and not share one-time passwords with anybody, as well as have delivery codes ready during the time of delivery to prevent any delays or cancellations when it comes to LPG refills.