The new month has started from today and with this there has been a big change in many important rules related to your everyday life. These changes, which came into effect from May 1, 2026, will not only affect your banking habits, but will also have a direct impact on the budget and safety standards of your kitchen. From timing of railways to delivery of gas cylinders, know here the 7 major changes which have become effective from today.
1. Huge jump in LPG cylinder prices
The common man has got a big shock of inflation on the very first day of the month. Oil companies have drastically increased the prices of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder by about ₹ 993. Although the prices of domestic LPG (14.2 kg) have been kept stable for the time being, eating out may become expensive due to the cost of commercial gas.
2. OTP mandatory for gas delivery
Now the method of home delivery of gas cylinder has completely changed. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) has now been made mandatory to prevent theft and black marketing. Now an OTP will come on your registered mobile number, without which you will not get the cylinder without showing it to the delivery boy.
3. New rules for ATM withdrawal
After RBI approved increasing the interchange fees, banks have also tightened the rules related to ATM use. Banks like HDFC Bank and Bandhan Bank have also included cash withdrawal through UPI in the free transaction limit. Every additional transaction beyond the prescribed limit (usually 5 transactions) will attract a charge of ₹23, while a transaction that fails due to low balance will attract a charge of approximately ₹25.
4. Strictness will increase on UPI transactions
To make digital payments more secure, strictness is now being increased in UPI transactions. Two-step verification can be implemented in it from May 1. This means that now merely entering the PIN will not be enough, rather biometric or some additional authentication may be required. This will help prevent online fraud.
5. Jet Fuel (ATF) and Export Duty
The government has fixed the duty on export of aviation fuel (ATF) at ₹33 per litre. However, it is a matter of relief that there has been no increase in ATF prices for domestic airlines, as the oil companies have decided to bear the burden of the increased cost. Due to this, air fares are expected to remain stable.
6. Deduct Credit Card Reward Points
From today, many big banks including SBI have changed the reward point structure of their credit cards and the rules for utility bill payments. Now the reward points received on rent payment or electricity bill payment have either been reduced or extra transaction charges have been imposed on them.
7. Registration mandatory for online gaming
New rules will come into effect in the online gaming sector from May 1. Now gaming will be divided into three parts: money games, social games and e-sports. For games that involve money, registration will be mandatory and they will be strictly monitored.
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
