Oil marketing giants Indane, HP Gas and Bharat Gas have issued a fresh advisory to domestic LPG consumers following a rise in digital delivery scams. The companies have warned users against sharing their Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) prematurely, as cyber fraudsters increasingly pose as agency officials to steal money from linked bank accounts.
How it works
According to the latest advice, scammers are sending fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages that mimic official delivery alerts. In many cases, customers receive a call shortly after the message, with the scammer claiming that the drum delivery will be canceled unless a DAC/OTP is shared over the phone for “verification.” Once the code is provided, scammers gain access to the victim’s consumer profile or associated financial applications.
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Safety protocols for consumers
Sharing only at doorstep: 4-digit (HP/Bharat) or 6-digit (Indane) DAC should be shared with delivery personnel only when they are physically present with the cylinder.
Verified sender IDs: Official communications usually come from verified IDs such as “VM-HPGAS”, “VK-INDANE”, or “AD-BPCL”. Messages from personal mobile numbers should be treated as suspicious.
No upfront one-time passwords (OTPs): Gas agencies have made it clear that no employee may collect DAC via phone call, WhatsApp or third-party links.
Current LPG prices (May 11, 2026)
While global energy markets are witnessing volatility due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, domestic LPG prices for 14.2 kg cylinders remain at their recently revised levels. Here are the current rates in major Indian cities:
Current rate
New Delhi – $903.00
Mumbai – $902.50
Kolkata – $929.00
Chennai – $918.50
Patna – $1002.50
Bengaluru – $915.50
Hyderabad – $965.00
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Market forecast
Industry experts point out that although domestic LPG prices are currently stable, the sharp rise in Brent crude which rose 4% today to exceed $105 may put upward pressure on non-subsidized fuel prices in the coming weeks. Consumers are advised to book through official apps like IndianOil One, Hello BPCL or HP Pay app to ensure comprehensive security.
