New month, new rules: LPG, pension and 3 other changes from October 1
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The month of September is now in its final stages, and with the beginning of October, three days later, several important financial rules will change. These changes are sure to have a direct impact on the common man's pockets and household budget. The new month will see changes ranging from revisions in LPG cylinder prices to rules related to pensions and train ticket booking.
With the onset of the festive season, these changes become extremely important. Let's explore five major changes that will come into effect on October 1, 2025, that you should know about.
1. LPG prices may change.
Oil marketing companies review gas cylinder prices on the first of every month. Therefore, a change in LPG prices is expected on October 1st as well. While the price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder has changed in the past few months, the price of a 14 kg domestic gas cylinder has remained stable since April 8, 2025. Considering the festive season, the common people are expected to get some price relief this time. ATF, CNG, and PNG prices may also be revised.
2. Big decision of Railways, now only these passengers will be able to book tickets online.
Indian Railways has made a big change in the rules to stop the fraud in ticket booking, which will be applicable from 1st October. Under the new rule, only those passengers whose Aadhar card is verified will be able to book tickets online in the first 15 minutes after the reservation opens. This rule will be applicable on both IRCTC website and app. Currently this system is applicable for Tatkal booking, but now it is being made effective for normal booking also. However, the process of buying tickets from computerized PRS counters will remain the same as before.
3. Fee rules will change for pensioners.
If you are associated with National Pension System (NPS), Atal Pension Yojana (APY) or NPS Lite, then this change is for you. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has changed the fees charged by Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs). From October 1, for government employees, for opening a new PRAN, a fee of Rs 18 will have to be paid for e-PRAN kit and Rs 40 for physical PRAN card. At the same time, the fee structure has been simplified for Atal Pension Yojana and NPS Lite subscribers. Now the PRAN opening and annual maintenance charges on these accounts will be Rs 15 each, while transaction charges will be zero.
4. This rule may change regarding UPI payments.
According to reports, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) may amend UPI rules to prevent online fraud and strengthen security. The peer-to-peer (P2P) transaction feature may be removed from apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm from October 1, 2025. A circular was also issued in this regard on July 29. This step is being taken with the aim of further strengthening the financial security of users.
5. October is full of festivals, banks will remain closed for 21 days.
The month of October is full of festivals, due to which there will be bumper holidays in banks. The month will start with Durga Puja and after this there will be many festivals like Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja. In total, banks will remain closed for 21 days in October including the holidays on second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays. However, these holidays may vary according to different states and cities. Therefore, if you have any important work related to the bank, then before leaving home, definitely check the list of holidays of RBI.