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 Type | Current Trend | Expected Change |
|---|---|---|
| 14.2 kg Domestic LPG | Unchanged for months | Possible price cut |
| 19 kg Commercial LPG | Fluctuating | Minor revision likely |
| CNG/PNG | Monthly revisions | Price hike expected |
| ATF (Aviation Fuel) | Rising globally | Airfares may increase |
🔹 Why It Matters:
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A price cut in domestic LPG could ease household budgets.
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CNG/PNG hikes may increase vehicle running costs.
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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:
| Bank | Credit Card | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| SBI | SimplyCLICK Card | Swiggy rewards slashed from 5X to 0.5X |
| Air India | Signature Card | Reward points reduced from 30 to 10 per ₹100 |
| IDFC First | Club Vistara Card | Milestone benefits discontinued |
💡 Impact:
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Fewer discounts on food, travel, and shopping.
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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:
| Bank | Current Min. Balance | New Rule (From April 1) |
|---|---|---|
| SBI (Urban) | ₹3,000 | May increase (TBA) |
| PNB (Rural) | ₹1,000 | Revised limits expected |
| Private Banks | Varies | Stricter penalties for low balance |
⚠️ What You Should Do:
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Check your bank’s new minimum balance rule.
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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:
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Inactive UPI IDs linked to unused mobile numbers will be deactivated.
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If you haven’t made a UPI transaction in 1+ years, your account may be blocked.
🔹 Action Required:
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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 Income | Old Tax Rate | New Tax Rate (From April 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹12 lakh | 5-20% | 0% (Tax-Free) |
| ₹12-15 lakh | 20% | Reduced rates expected |
| Above ₹15 lakh | 30% | 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?
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Salaried professionals earning under ₹12.75L (with deductions).
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Senior citizens with fixed deposits.
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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.
