Several important financial and public service rules have come into effect from today, July 1, 2026.
These changes will affect taxpayers, bank customers, Aadhaar card holders, passport applicants, railway passengers, and EPFO members.
From new passport charges and free Aadhaar email updates to stricter banking rules and changes in credit card benefits, here’s everything you need to know.
No More Restrictions on Petrol and Diesel Purchases
The central government has removed all temporary restrictions on the purchase of petrol and diesel from July 1.
Earlier, due to the US-Iran conflict and rising tensions in West Asia, a limit of 200 litres of diesel per customer per day was imposed. Commercial customers were also restricted from buying fuel from retail pumps.
These restrictions have now been completely withdrawn. Commercial vehicles, factories, and other businesses can purchase fuel without any limit.
Passport Fees Increased After 14 Years
Getting a new passport or renewing an existing one has become more expensive from today. The Ministry of External Affairs has revised passport fees under the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
The new charges are:
36-page normal passport: ₹2,500 (earlier ₹1,500)
60-page normal passport: ₹3,500 (earlier ₹2,000)
36-page Tatkal passport: ₹5,000
60-page Tatkal passport: ₹6,000
This is the first major passport fee hike in the last 14 years.
Aadhaar Email Update Becomes Free for Six Months
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a special relief for Aadhaar users.
From July 1 to December 31, 2026, users can update their email address in Aadhaar free of cost. Usually, this service costs ₹75.
However, this benefit is available only through the official Aadhaar Mobile App. Those visiting Aadhaar centres for email updates will still have to pay the regular fee.
RBI Introduces Strict Rules for Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented new rules to prevent banks from mis-selling financial products.
If a bank or its employee sells insurance, mutual funds, or any investment product without giving complete information or by misleading customers, the bank will now have to:
Refund the customer’s entire amount
Compensate the customer for any financial loss
In addition, banks have been prohibited from making unwanted telemarketing and promotional calls to customers.
Last Month to File Income Tax Return
The countdown for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) has officially begun.
Taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for the financial year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27) must submit their returns by July 31, 2026.
With only one month left, taxpayers are advised not to wait until the last moment.
HDFC Credit Card Lounge Access Rules Changed
Some HDFC Bank premium credit card holders will now have to meet a spending requirement to access domestic airport lounges for free.
To get complimentary lounge access between July and September 2026, cardholders must have spent at least ₹60,000 during the April-June 2026 quarter.
Customers who fail to meet this spending condition may lose their free lounge access benefits.
SBI Card Reward Points Rules Updated
SBI Cards has revised the reward points structure for PhonePe SBI Credit Cards and some other variants from July 1.
Under the new rules, certain categories of transactions will no longer earn reward points. Cardholders are advised to check the updated reward policy to avoid surprises.
Railways Introduces Higher Penalties
Indian Railways has implemented stricter penalties from today.
The minimum fine for travelling without a ticket has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500.
Additionally:
Male passengers entering or travelling in women’s coaches can face an immediate fine of ₹2,500 and may be removed from the train.
Smoking at railway stations can now attract a fine of ₹2,000.
These changes have been introduced under the Public Trust Act, 2026.
EPFO Online Services Resume
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has completed its database upgrade and system migration work.
As a result, all online EPFO services, including PF withdrawal, transfer, and claim services, have resumed from July 1 after being temporarily unavailable since June 26.
EPFO members can now access all online services normally.
