The new financial year 2026-27 has begun, and with it, several important financial and regulatory changes have come into effect.
From LPG price hikes to new tax rules and changes in ATM transactions, here’s a look at 10 major updates that will impact both individuals and businesses.
1. LPG Cylinders Get Costlier
Oil marketing companies have raised the price of commercial LPG cylinders from April 1.
A 19 kg cylinder now costs:
Delhi: ₹2,078.50 (was ₹1,883)
Kolkata: ₹2,208 (was ₹1,990)
Mumbai: ₹2,031 (was ₹1,835)
Chennai: ₹2,246.50 (was ₹2,043.50)
Domestic LPG cylinders remain at the March 7 rates, so household users are not affected for now.
2. Air Travel to Become Expensive
Aviation fuel (ATF) prices have surged sharply due to global tensions in the Middle East.
ATF prices per kiloliter now stand at:
Delhi: ₹2,07,341.22 (up from ₹96,638.14)
Kolkata: ₹2,05,955.33 (up from ₹99,587.14)
Mumbai: ₹1,94,968.67 (up from ₹90,451.87)
Chennai: ₹2,14,597.66 (up from ₹1,00,280.49)
This increase may push up the cost of air travel for passengers.
3. ATM Withdrawals Are Changing
Several banks have updated their ATM transaction rules:
HDFC Bank: UPI withdrawals now count toward your free transactions.
Five free transactions in metros, three elsewhere; extra withdrawals cost ₹23 + tax each.
PNB: Daily withdrawal limit reduced from ₹1 lakh to ₹50,000 for some cards.
Bandhan Bank: Three free ATM transactions in metros, five elsewhere; extra transactions cost ₹23.
Failed transactions due to insufficient funds will incur a ₹25 fee.
4. New Income Tax Law
The Income Tax Act 2025 has replaced the 1961 law.
It simplifies taxation by combining the Financial Year and Assessment Year into a single Tax Year.
HRA, allowances, and other tax rules have also been revised to make filing easier.
5. Share Trading Becomes Costlier
The Securities Transaction Tax (STT) has increased from April 1.
Futures trading: STT up by 150%
Options trading: STT up by 50%
Investors engaging in F&O trading will face higher costs.
6. New Labour Codes
The government has introduced four new Labour Codes, replacing 29 previous laws. Key changes include:
Basic salary must now be at least 50% of total pay.
Provident Fund contributions may increase, reducing take-home salary.
Gratuity benefits are now available after one year of employment instead of five.
7. PAN Card Rules Updated
Applying for a new PAN card now requires more documents than just Aadhaar.
PAN is mandatory for:
Annual cash deposits above ₹10 lakh
Vehicle purchases up to ₹5 lakh
Payments over ₹1 lakh at hotels or restaurants
Buying property worth up to ₹20 lakh
8. FASTag Prices Increased
The annual FASTag pass for highway tolls has increased from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 for 200 trips, affecting regular road commuters.
9. Railway Ticket Cancellation Rules
Indian Railways has revised rules for ticket cancellations starting April 1.
Passengers will now face new refund rules, so planning cancellations carefully is important.
10. Other Key Changes
Besides these, updates have also been made for credit cards, ATMs, and digital payments, impacting everyday financial transactions.
