With the beginning of the month of May, many important rules affecting the wallets and daily lives of the common people are going to change. Many major financial changes will come into effect from May 1, 2026. The impact of these changes will be visible across many sectors—from cooking gas prices to ATMs, credit cards, fuel, travel and online gaming. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of all these changes in advance to handle your expenses and financial planning in a better way.
**Change in LPG cylinder prices**
On the first of every month, oil companies release new rates of LPG cylinders. This time too—on May 1—a change in the prices of both domestic and commercial gas cylinders is expected. Given the price hikes last month, the public will once again be keeping a close eye on the new rates. Additionally, changes to the cylinder delivery system are also possible; Companies can implement a completely OTP-based delivery system. Also, some changes may be seen in the rules related to gas booking.
**Change in ATF and CNG/PNG rates**
Under the changes that will come into effect from May 1, the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF)—the fuel used in airplanes—may also be revised. This can have a direct impact on air travel fares. Along with this, the prices of CNG and PNG may also change. As a result, there may be changes in the expenses of car owners and people engaged in gas related commercial work.
**Withdrawal of cash from ATM now more expensive**
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the increase in ATM interchange charges. Now, after the free transaction limit is reached, there will be a charge of ₹23 for every cash withdrawal—which was earlier ₹21. About free transaction limits:
Customers can make 5 free transactions every month from their bank’s ATM.
From ATMs of other banks, customers can do 3 free transactions per month in metro cities and 5 free transactions in non-metro cities.
Any transaction exceeding these limits will attract service charges.
**New rules for SBI credit card**
New rules will also be applicable for customers holding SBI credit cards from May 1. Changes have been made regarding Late Payment Charges. A charge of ₹100 will be levied on outstanding balances of ₹100 to ₹500.
A fee of ₹500 will be levied on outstanding balances of ₹500 to ₹1,000.
Apart from this, the rules related to the annual fee of BPCL SBI Credit Card have also been changed. Now the annual fee will be refunded on spending ₹1 lakh annually – this benefit was earlier available on spending ₹50,000.
**Online gaming rules made more strict**
The government has implemented new rules for the online gaming sector. Under these rules, a new regulatory body will be created to keep an eye on this sector. Now games are divided into three categories: Money Games, Social Games and Esports. Registration will be required, especially for games where money is at stake, and user transactions will be monitored.
