As of the beginning of the month of July, some key rule-modifications have gone in force around India since 1 July 2025. Not all these updates are welcome with a sigh of relief and some may just as well blow your budget. Such modifications will affect all households and individuals- not only the cost of food in kitchen, but also the cost of travel in trains. So, what are the top five changes that have already become effective?
1. LPG Cylinders Get Cheaper
July 2025 starts off with a good news in the sense that the oil marketing companies have come out and indicated that the price of LPG cylinders is to be reduced drastically as of 1 July 2025. Though the price of the 14 kg domestic LPG cylinder has no change, the price of 19 kg gas cylinders used by other operators like commercial LPG cylinders has declined in major cities:
- Delhi: ₹1,723.50 → ₹1,665
- Kolkata: ₹1,826 → ₹1,769
- Mumbai: ₹1,674.50 → ₹1,616.50
- Chennai: ₹1,881 → ₹1,823.50
2. Railway Fare Hike
The second adjustment comes at the cost of travellers. An increment of train fare at Indian Railways has taken effect as 1 July 2025:
- Non-AC Mail and Express trains: It has risen by 1 paisa/km
- AC class: Up 2ps/km
- No increase in second-class fare even on distances less than 500 km. In all such trips which are beyond 500km, 0.5 paisa/km will be charged to the passengers.
Furthermore, Tatkal ticket booking has been provided with a new rule. Going forward, Tatkal tickets will be allowed to be booked exclusively by those users who have already linked their Aadhaar number with their IRCTC account and got it verified.
3. HDFC Credit Card Rule Change
Today, HDFC Bank has introduced changes in the credit card users. There will be a one percent additional load fee when putting more than 10,000 rupees on monthly load to digital wallets such as Paytm, Mobikwik, FreeCharge, or Ola Money using HDFC credit cards.
Secondly, the ICICI Bank also has a levying policy of 23 rupees on ATM cash withdrawals that take place after one exceeds the free limit of withdrawals.
4. Aadhaar Now Mandatory for New PAN Cards
Starting 1 July 2025 a new applicant seeking to obtain a new PAN card will be required to use Aadhaar authentication. According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), no PAN card is possible to be provided until Aadhaar checks. Previously, anyone could present valid identity and birth certificate.
5. No Fuel for Old Vehicles in Delhi
Delhi has also imposed a novel regulation to contain pollution: Petrol and diesel will not be kept available to vehicles age beyond the capacity of their legal age. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) says:
- Diesel cars that are aged above 10 years
- Vehicles that run on petrol and have reached over the age group of 15 years
Will not be permitted to fill fuel station at any fuel station in Delhi w.e.f 1 July.
