With the beginning of the new year 2026, several important rules related to the daily lives of common people have changed. These changes directly affect household budgets and day-to-day expenses.
The new rules cover many areas, including LPG gas prices, car prices, banking and digital payments, SIM card verification, and government welfare schemes.
While the new year has brought new hopes, some of these changes have also increased financial pressure on people.
LPG Cylinder Prices Increase, PNG Becomes Cheaper
From January 1, 2026, the price of 19-kg commercial LPG gas cylinders has been increased by up to ₹111. This hike will directly impact businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and small eateries.
In Delhi, the price has increased from ₹1580.50 to ₹1691.50
In Kolkata, the price has risen from ₹1684 to ₹1795
In Chennai, the price has gone up from ₹1739.50 to ₹1849.50
In Mumbai, the price has increased from ₹1531.50 to ₹1642.50
This price hike is expected to raise operating costs for businesses, which may also affect food prices for consumers.
On the positive side, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has announced a reduction in the price of domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
PNG prices have been reduced by up to 70 paise per standard cubic meter (SCM). After this cut, the price of PNG in Delhi has come down to ₹47.89 per SCM.
This reduction will especially benefit urban households where PNG is commonly used for cooking.
At a time of rising inflation, this step is expected to provide some relief to household budgets and is seen as a positive move for consumers at the start of the new year.
Buying a Car Becomes More Expensive
Buying a new car has become costlier in 2026. Several automobile companies have increased the prices of their vehicles with effect from January 1, 2026.
Luxury carmaker BMW, along with companies like Renault and Nissan, has announced price hikes ranging from ₹3,000 to up to 3 percent, depending on the model.
Other major manufacturers such as Honda and Tata Motors have also indicated that they may increase prices soon.
Due to these hikes, cars manufactured in 2026 are likely to be more expensive than 2025 models, increasing the financial burden on buyers planning to purchase a new vehicle.
Changes in Banking, UPI, and SIM Card Rules
Several important changes related to banking and digital payments have also come into effect from January 1, 2026.
Rules for UPI and other digital transactions have been made stricter to reduce online fraud and cybercrime. This may include enhanced security checks and transaction monitoring.
At the same time, SIM card verification rules have been tightened. Customers may need to complete stricter identity verification to continue using mobile services, which aims to prevent misuse of SIM cards.
Providing some relief, major banks such as HDFC Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have announced reductions in loan interest rates.
This change is expected to benefit customers with home loans, personal loans, and other borrowings starting from the new year.
Important Updates in PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
The government has also introduced changes to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which directly impacts farmers. In states like Uttar Pradesh, it is now mandatory for farmers to have a unique farmer ID to receive benefits under the scheme.
Additionally, if crops are damaged due to attacks by wild animals, farmers can now receive compensation under the scheme.
However, it is necessary to file a damage report within 72 hours for the compensation to be processed. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure timely support for farmers.
Eighth Pay Commission Comes into Effect
The new year is especially important for central government employees and pensioners. The term of the Seventh Pay Commission ended on December 31, 2025,
and the Eighth Pay Commission officially came into force on January 1, 2026.
This development has raised hopes of higher salaries and pensions. However, experts say that, for now, the impact will mainly be limited to official paperwork.
While records of revised salaries and allowances will be prepared, employees and pensioners may not receive the increased amount immediately.
Actual financial benefits will be available only after the government issues a final notification regarding the new pay structure, fitment factor, and revised allowances.
Until then, employees and pensioners may need to wait a little longer for direct benefits.
