Rule Change From 1st October: 5 Major Rule Changes in India This October Will Impact Your Wallet, Travel, and Banking

Rule Change From 1st October: The calendar has flipped, and as October 2025 begins, it brings with it a wave of significant new rules and regulations set to impact the daily lives of millions across India. These major changes (Rule Change From 1st October), which come into effect on the very first day of the month, span everything from your kitchen budget to your digital payments and travel plans. While oil companies have dealt a blow to consumers with a hike in LPG cylinder prices, there’s also a crucial new rule affecting UPI transactions. These shifts will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on every household and every pocket. Let’s dive deep into the five most important changes you absolutely need to know about.

1. A Pinch on the Pocket: Commercial LPG Cylinders Get More Expensive

For many, the first of the month is a time to watch for updates on LPG cylinder prices, as it directly impacts the household budget. While Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) had provided some relief by cutting prices on the 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinders in previous months, that trend has reversed. On the first day of October, a price hike was announced, making these cylinders more expensive from Delhi to Mumbai.

According to the IOCL website, the price of a commercial cylinder in Delhi has seen a significant increase of ₹15, rising from ₹1580 to ₹1595. In Kolkata, the price has jumped from ₹1684 to ₹1700. In Mumbai, the 19 kg cylinder that previously cost ₹1531 will now be priced at ₹1547. Similarly, in Chennai, the price has been increased from ₹1738 to ₹1754. While this directly impacts businesses like restaurants and hotels, it brings a sigh of relief for households, as there has been no change in the price of the 14 kg domestic LPG cylinder this time around.

2. Brace for Pricier Flights: Aviation Fuel Sees a Major Price Hike

Air travel is set to become more expensive as we head into the bustling festive season. Following a price cut in September, companies have now implemented a sharp increase in the price of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF), or aviation fuel. The new rates, effective from October 1, 2025, show a substantial rise across major cities.

In Delhi, the price has soared from ₹90,713.52 per kiloliter to ₹93,766.02. In Kolkata, the price has jumped from ₹93,886.18 to ₹96,816.58. Mumbai sees a new price of ₹87,714.39 per kiloliter, up from ₹84,832.83. In Chennai, the rate has increased from ₹94,151.96 to ₹97,302.14 per kiloliter. This significant increase in ATF prices will directly raise the operational costs for airlines. As a result, it is highly likely that they will pass this burden on to passengers, leading to a noticeable increase in flight ticket prices.

3. A New Hurdle for Railway Bookings: Aadhaar Verification Now Key

Indian Railways is rolling out a crucial change aimed at curbing fraud and ticket touting in its online ticket booking system. This new rule, which may be implemented from October 1, 2025, is set to affect thousands of rail passengers who book their tickets online.

Under the new system, during the first 15 minutes after online reservations open, only users with a verified Aadhaar account will be able to book tickets. This rule will be applicable on both the IRCTC website and the mobile app. Currently, a similar rule is in place for Tatkal booking. However, passengers purchasing tickets from computerized PRS counters will not be affected by this change and can continue to book as usual.

4. Big Security Shift for UPI Users: A Key Feature Is Being Removed

For the millions who rely on the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for daily transactions, October brings a significant change. Following a circular issued on July 29, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced its decision to remove the peer-to-peer (P2P) “collect transaction” feature from most UPI apps.

This change, effective from October 1, 2025, is a major step towards enhancing user security and preventing financial fraud. The “collect” feature, while useful, was often exploited by fraudsters to send fake payment requests. Its removal is intended to create a more secure digital payment ecosystem for all users.

5. Plan Ahead: A Month of Bumper Bank Holidays

October is a month brimming with festivals, and this means a plethora of bank holidays. If you have any important banking-related work, it is absolutely essential to consult the October Bank Holiday List issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before stepping out. You don’t want to find your local bank branch locked when you need it most.

The month begins with holidays for Durga Puja and will see a total of 21 holidays across various states. This includes major festivals like Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Laxmi Puja, Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja. These holidays are in addition to the regular second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays. It’s important to remember that these Bank Holidays may vary from state to state and city to city, so be sure to check the specific list for your region.