Rules Changing from January 1, 2026: LPG and Cars Costlier, PNG Cheaper; 10 Key Updates You Must Know

New Delhi: The new year has begun, bringing several major changes that directly impact your finances. From today, domestic PNG gas is cheaper, but commercial LPG cylinders and cars have become costlier. Here’s a look at the 10 key changes effective from January 1, 2026:

1. PNG Cheaper, LPG More Expensive
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has reduced the price of domestic piped natural gas (PNG) by ₹0.70 per standard cubic meter (SCM). In Delhi, the new PNG price is ₹47.89 per SCM. However, the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has become costlier. According to IOC, the price in Delhi has risen by ₹111, from ₹1,580.50 to ₹1,691.50.

2. Car Prices Hike
Several automakers have increased vehicle prices. Hyundai cars are now 0.6% costlier, Renault India has announced hikes up to 2%, Mercedes-Benz India plans 2% increases, while JSW MG Motor India and Nissan India have indicated 2–3% rises due to higher input and logistics costs.

3. Small Savings Schemes Unchanged
The government reviewed interest rates for small savings schemes like PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, and NSC. Despite a recent 0.25% cut in the RBI repo rate, the government has kept interest rates unchanged for the new quarter.

4. PAN-Aadhaar Linking Deadline Over
The December 31 deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar has passed. PAN holders who haven’t linked their cards may face invalid PANs, higher TDS deductions, and rejection of investments, KYC, or fixed deposit applications.

5. Penalty on Revised ITRs
For FY 2024–25, the last date to file revised ITRs was December 31. Missing this deadline may lead to delayed tax refunds and penalties. Returns can be filed up to 48 months after the assessment year, but claims on old losses are not allowed.

6. Changes in Railway Reservations
Railways has launched Aadhaar-authenticated booking windows for greater transparency. Verified users can book tickets starting 8 AM to 4 PM on January 5, and from January 12, the window will extend until midnight. This aims to curb fake bookings and ensure real passengers get confirmed tickets.

7. REITs Classified as Equity
From January 1, investments by mutual funds and specialized investment funds (SIFs) in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) will be treated as equity investments. SEBI has clarified that Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) will remain in the hybrid category.

8. Eighth Pay Commission Effective
The government has announced the formation of the Eighth Pay Commission, effective January 1, 2026. Recommendations may take time, but employees and pensioners can expect arrears payments once implemented.

9. Stricter Digital Transactions Rules
To curb fraud, UPI platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and WhatsApp must follow stricter KYC procedures. Mobile number verification and account linking will now have extra safety layers to prevent fake accounts.

10. Tighter Food Product Regulations
The FSSAI will enforce stricter safety checks for new food products. Claims alone will no longer suffice; only scientifically validated evidence will be accepted. Applications for food safety review or standard changes will now follow a standardized format.

Conclusion: These changes from January 1, 2026, reflect the government’s efforts to balance consumer interests, regulatory compliance, and market realities. Citizens are advised to stay informed and plan their finances accordingly.

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