State-run oil marketing companies have sent messages to liquefied petroleum gas consumers regarding their income tax records, aiming to discontinue subsidies for those exceeding income limits.
The messages inform consumers that their gross taxable income or that of a linked family member exceeds ₹10 lakh based on available records. Recipients are given seven days to dispute the information by calling a toll-free number or registering a grievance on the oil marketing company portal, after which the subsidy may be discontinued.
LPG consumers outside the income tax bracket who have linked their Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts receive a subsidy of ₹24.50 per cylinder delivered. A resident of Velachery expressed irritation over the messages, noting the small subsidy amount and concerns about privacy of personal income tax records.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan described the use of income tax records as an invasion of privacy and suggested ending the subsidy altogether. An LPG distributor said the messages have created confusion among consumers following recent KYC submissions, while an oil industry source attributed the drive to a directive from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
