SRINAGAR: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumers across the Kashmir valley are encountering significant challenges in obtaining cylinder refills, as distributors report a substantial influx of customers attempting to complete mandatory e-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) procedures for their connections. The digital verification process has become a prerequisite for securing refills, but many consumers are struggling with its implementation.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that several issues are hindering the e-KYC process, ranging from a lack of widespread smartphone ownership to privacy concerns associated with the required applications. Consumers have voiced their frustrations regarding the digital requirements and their feasibility in the local context.
One consumer, Yawar Ahmad from Srinagar, highlighted the practical difficulties. “I have an LPG connection and have to do the mandatory e-KYC, which means I have to download two apps on my phone and then undertake the process. These apps need several phone permissions, which raises privacy concerns,” he stated. The necessity of installing multiple applications and granting them access to personal data has become a point of contention for many.
Shazia, a homemaker, articulated the concerns of those without access to smartphones. “Many women like me do not have smartphones, so undertaking e-KYC by installing applications does not make sense. I have a Ujjwala connection and I cannot afford a smartphone, so how will I do the self-e-KYC?” she questioned, underscoring the digital divide impacting essential services.
The mandatory nature of e-KYC for LPG refills has been implemented by the government to streamline services and enhance security. However, the rollout appears to be facing challenges in regions with lower smartphone penetration. Consumers are expected to download specific applications onto their mobile devices and complete a series of steps that require personal data and permissions.
In addition to the e-KYC difficulties, some customers have reported discrepancies in gas delivery notifications. There have been instances where consumers received messages indicating gas delivery and OTP (One Time Password) confirmation, even when the delivery did not occur or the OTP was not shared. Mehraj Ahmad, another consumer, recounted such an experience: “I received an OTP, which I didn’t share with the distributor, but then I still got the message about gas being delivered. However, the gas was not delivered.”
Distributors, while managing the surge in customers for e-KYC, acknowledged that these messages are often computer-generated by an application. They clarified that the booking for a refill is considered effective only after the e-KYC process is successfully completed. This indicates that the digital verification is a critical step in the supply chain for LPG cylinders.
The challenges faced by LPG consumers in the Kashmir valley highlight the complexities of implementing digital initiatives in diverse socio-economic landscapes. Addressing the lack of smartphone access and ensuring the security and reliability of digital verification processes are crucial for ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services for all residents.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
