Major Financial Changes Coming from April 1, 2025: LPG Prices, Credit Card Rules, Tax Slabs & More

By csvt4256

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The new financial year (FY 2025-26) is set to bring significant financial changes affecting LPG prices, credit cards, bank accounts, UPI, and tax rules. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing from April 1, 2025, and how it impacts your wallet.


1. LPG Cylinder Prices – Will Cooking Gas Get Cheaper?

Every month, oil & gas companies revise LPG prices. Here’s what to expect:

Fuel TypeCurrent TrendExpected Change
14.2 kg Domestic LPGUnchanged for monthsPossible price cut
19 kg Commercial LPGFluctuatingMinor revision likely
CNG/PNGMonthly revisionsPrice hike expected
ATF (Aviation Fuel)Rising globallyAirfares may increase

🔹 Why It Matters:

  • price cut in domestic LPG could ease household budgets.

  • CNG/PNG hikes may increase vehicle running costs.

  • ATF price rise could make flights costlier.


2. Credit Card Rules – Rewards Reduced, Benefits Cut

Major banks are scaling back credit card perks from April 1:

BankCredit CardKey Change
SBISimplyCLICK CardSwiggy rewards slashed from 5X to 0.5X
Air IndiaSignature CardReward points reduced from 30 to 10 per ₹100
IDFC FirstClub Vistara CardMilestone benefits discontinued

💡 Impact:

  • Fewer discounts on food, travel, and shopping.

  • Reward devaluation means you’ll need to spend more for the same benefits.


3. Bank Account Rules – Minimum Balance & Penalties

SBI, PNB, and other banks are revising minimum balance requirements:

BankCurrent Min. BalanceNew Rule (From April 1)
SBI (Urban)₹3,000May increase (TBA)
PNB (Rural)₹1,000Revised limits expected
Private BanksVariesStricter penalties for low balance

⚠️ What You Should Do:

  • Check your bank’s new minimum balance rule.

  • Avoid penalties (up to ₹500/month in some cases).


4. UPI Accounts – Inactive Users to Lose Access

The NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) has announced:

  • Inactive UPI IDs linked to unused mobile numbers will be deactivated.

  • If you haven’t made a UPI transaction in 1+ years, your account may be blocked.

🔹 Action Required:

  • Make at least one small UPI transaction before April to keep your account active.


5. New Tax Rules – Big Relief for Middle Class

The 2025 Budget introduced major tax reforms effective April 1, 2025:

Key Changes in Income Tax Slabs (New Regime)

Annual IncomeOld Tax RateNew Tax Rate (From April 1)
Up to ₹12 lakh5-20%0% (Tax-Free)
₹12-15 lakh20%Reduced rates expected
Above ₹15 lakh30%No change

Other Important Updates:

✅ Standard Deduction increased to ₹75,000 for salaried employees.
✅ TDS Threshold for Seniors doubled to ₹1 lakh on interest income.
✅ Rental Income Tax-Free up to ₹6 lakh/year (vs. ₹2.4L earlier).

💡 Who Benefits Most?

  • Salaried professionals earning under ₹12.75L (with deductions).

  • Senior citizens with fixed deposits.

  • Landlords with rental income.


Final Summary: What Should You Do?

📌 Check LPG prices (possible relief for households).
📌 Review credit card rewards (spending may need adjustment).
📌 Maintain minimum bank balance to avoid fines.
📌 Keep UPI active with at least one transaction.
📌 Plan taxes under new slabs to maximize savings.