Major Financial Changes Effective Today (July 1): From ATM to LPG, 11 rule updates that may pinch your pocket

State-run oil marketing companies have slashed the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 58.5.

In Delhi, the new price stands at Rs 1,665 (down from Rs 1,723.50).

This brings relief to commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, and dhabas.

Note: Domestic LPG cylinder rates remain unchanged at Rs 853 in Delhi, Rs 852.50 in Mumbai, Rs 879 in Kolkata, and Rs 868.50 in Chennai.

The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been increased by Rs 6,271.5 per kilolitre, reversing last month's cut of Rs 2,414.25 per kl.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made Aadhaar mandatory for those applying for a new PAN card. Earlier alternatives like driving licences and birth certificates are no longer accepted.

Indian Railways now requires Aadhaar verification for Tatkal ticket bookings. Starting July 15, two-factor authentication will also be introduced for all ticket bookings via OTP.

Additionally, a minor fare hike is expected:

1 paisa/km for non-AC

2 paise/km for AC coaches

ICICI Bank now allows only 5 free ATM withdrawals at its own ATMs, after which Rs 23 per transaction will be charged. At other banks' ATMs, customers are allowed 3 free transactions in metro cities and 5 in non-metros; beyond that, Rs 23 will be charged for cash withdrawals and Rs 8.5 for non-cash transactions. International ATM withdrawals now cost Rs 125, balance enquiries Rs 25, and a 3.5 per cent fee applies for currency conversion. IMPS transfers will attract charges between Rs 2.5 and Rs 15, depending on the amount. ICICI also allows only 3 free cash deposits at its CRMs per month; beyond that, a fee of Rs 150 or Rs 3.5 per Rs 1,000 (for deposits above Rs 1 lakh) will apply. Meanwhile, Axis Bank will charge Rs 23 per ATM withdrawal beyond the free limit at out-of-network ATMs across multiple account types including savings, NRI, trust, Priority, and Burgundy.

To curb pollution, Delhi government has activated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras at 520 fuel stations. These cameras will scan number plates and block fuel supply to overaged vehicles based on VAHAN database records.

Indian Railways will now release its waitlist chart 8 hours ahead of train departure instead of the current 4-hour window. This gives waitlisted passengers more time to plan alternate travel.

From July 1, SBI has scrapped free air accident insurance on select premium credit cards like SBI Elite and the Miles series. It is also expected to revise how the minimum amount due is calculated. HDFC Bank has introduced a 1 per cent fee (capped at Rs 4,999) on rent payments, online gaming spends over Rs 10,000/month, utility bill payments above Rs 50,000/month, and wallet top-ups exceeding Rs 10,000. Insurance payments are exempt from these charges.

The Reserve Bank of India has extended trading hours for the interbank call money market by two hours. The market will now remain open from 9 am. to 7 pm (previously closed at 5 pm), aimed at improving fund availability and liquidity for banks.

Salaried taxpayers now have until September 15 to file their Income Tax Returns, instead of the earlier deadline of July 31.