Govt hikes commercial cylinder jet fuel prices:ACs, TVs other items get costlier – key changes taking effect from 1 Oct

In October, 7 changes related to cylinders, aviation fuel, banking, digital payments and government schemes are coming into effect: 1. Commercial cylinder becomes around ₹70 costlier Change: Oil companies have increased the price of commercial gas cylinders by up to ₹70. Impact: The increase in commercial cylinder prices will marginally raise restaurant owners’ costs. As a result, they may increase the prices of tea and snacks. Wedding catering may also become more expensive. Commercial LPG cylinder prices in major cities No changes in the price of the 14-kilogram domestic cylinder 2. No LPG subsidy without verification Change: From 1 October 2026, customers must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication (BAA / e-KYC) to book LPG gas cylinders at the subsidised rate. There will be no change for those who have already completed e-KYC. Impact: Customers who have not completed biometric verification will not be able to book gas at the subsidised rate. However, the supply or booking of gas cylinders will not be stopped. Once customers complete their e-KYC, they will again start receiving cylinders at subsidised prices. 3. Merchant Charges on UPI Payments Change: A merchant discount rate will apply to selected merchant UPI transactions above ₹2,000 from 15 October. For shopkeepers whose total monthly UPI receipts are up to ₹1 lakh, all transactions will remain completely free, even if the payment exceeds ₹2,000. Impact: This is not expected to affect ordinary customers. However, if a small trader receives more than ₹1 lakh in UPI payments for three consecutive months, banks will classify them as a large merchant, after which charges will apply to them as well. Person-to-person transactions are free. 4. Aviation fuel becomes more expensive Change: Aviation Turbine Fuel, the fuel used in aeroplanes, has become ₹16 per litre more expensive. For domestic airlines, the price has risen from ₹121 to ₹137. Impact: Fuel accounts for around 40% of airlines’ operating costs. Airlines may raise fares as fuel becomes more expensive. This will make air travel costlier during the festive season. 5. Appliances such as air conditioners, TVs and refrigerators become up to 8% more expensive from today Change: From 1 October, companies are raising the prices of ACs, LED TVs, washing machines and refrigerators by 3% to 8%. This is the third price increase announced by companies in 2026. Companies have taken this decision because of a rise in the prices of raw materials linked to copper, steel, aluminium and crude oil in the international market, as well as currency fluctuations. This will be the third price increase by the consumer electronics industry in 2026. Impact: The increase will not have a major immediate impact on sales during the festive season. Dealers and distributors have 1 to 1.5 months’ worth of old stock, purchased at the previous prices, available with them. Customers will be able to buy electronic goods at the old prices until Diwali. 6. Repo Rate Decision Change: The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting will be held between 5 October and 7 October. On 7 October, the committee will decide whether to change the repo rate or keep it unchanged. This time, the repo rate could be increased by 0.25%. Current situation: The repo rate has been at 5.25% since the August review. Impact: If the RBI raises the repo rate, banks will increase the interest rates on home loans, car loans and personal loans. This will increase EMIs. Conversely, EMIs could become cheaper if the rate is reduced. 7. Rules for Withdrawing Money from SBI ATMs Change: SBI salary account holders will now get only 5 free transactions per month if they use another bank’s ATM or ADWM machine. The limit was previously 10 free transactions. This includes balance enquiries and cash withdrawals. Impact: A fee of ₹15 + GST will be charged per transaction.