From today—May 1—commercial gas cylinders have become costlier by ₹994. In Delhi, a cylinder is now available for ₹3,071.50. Apart from this, ‘Online Gaming Rules 2026’ have also come into force.
4 big changes happening in May
1. Commercial cylinders become costlier by ₹994
**Change:** Oil companies have increased the prices of commercial gas cylinders by up to ₹994. In Delhi, the price has increased to ₹3,071.50. Earlier, it was available for ₹2,078.50.
**Impact:** The increase in the prices of commercial cylinders will increase the operating expenses of restaurant owners. As a result, they may increase the prices of tea, breakfast items and *thalis* (food plates). Catering services for weddings and events can also be expensive.
2. New rules of online gaming come into effect from today
Changes: ‘Online Gaming Rules 2026’ have come into effect across the country from today. Under these rules, ‘Online Gaming Authority of India’ (OGAI) will be established. This organization will be responsible for regulating online games, dividing them into different categories and monitoring their functioning. Under this framework, games are divided into three categories: online money games, online social games and e-sports. Money games are banned, while registration will be required for other gaming platforms. Foreign gaming companies will no longer be able to escape Indian laws; If a company provides services in India—no matter where its headquarters is—it must strictly follow Indian regulations.
To ensure user safety, online games will include safeguards such as age limits, parental controls, and time limits. Financial transactions taking place while playing the game will also be monitored.
Impact: Enforcing strict rules—as well as features like age limits and parental controls—are expected to reduce gaming addiction and cheating, creating a safer environment for users. Additionally, tightening controls on foreign companies is expected to help curb speculative activities. This will increase government revenue and give e-sports more recognition as a legitimate sport.
3. Export of diesel and aviation fuel will be cheaper
**Change:** The central government has reduced the special additional excise duty on export of diesel to ₹23 per liter for 15 days starting May 1. In April this duty was ₹55.5.
Meanwhile, the special additional excise duty on ATF—ie aviation fuel—has been reduced to ₹33 per litre. In April this figure was ₹42. Additionally, by changing the definition of fuel, the Petroleum Ministry has now approved the addition of synthetic fuel to ATF.
**Impact:** The duty reduction will make it more affordable for Indian refining companies—like Reliance and Nayara—to sell fuel in international markets, which is likely to improve their profit margins.
The Finance Ministry has clarified that there has been no change in the excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic use; Therefore, fuel prices for the general public will remain stable.
The approval of blending of synthetic fuels in ATF will encourage the use of environment-friendly and alternative fuels in the aviation sector, bringing greater clarity in industry standards.
4. UAE separated from OPEC and OPEC+ from today
**Change:** As of May 1, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has withdrawn from OPEC and OPEC+. This organization is the largest group of oil producing countries in the world, which controls about 40–50% of the world’s oil supply and influences prices by setting production quotas.
**Impact:** After getting out of OPEC restrictions, UAE will now be able to increase its oil production. This is expected to increase supply in the global market and fall in crude oil prices. Oil importing countries like India will get an opportunity to diversify their sources of oil supply.
