October 2026 is set to bring several changes that could affect household budgets, banking transactions, tax compliance and everyday services. From LPG prices and subsidy requirements to SBI ATM rules, fixed deposit regulations and property transactions involving NRIs, a number of changes will take effect from October 1.
Here are the major changes consumers should know about before the new month begins.
LPG Prices, Subsidy and Delivery Rules
Oil marketing companies generally review LPG cylinder prices on the first day of every month. The prices for October will therefore be announced on October 1. While commercial LPG cylinder prices have changed in recent months, domestic LPG rates have remained unchanged. At present, a domestic cylinder costs ₹942 in Delhi, ₹968 in Kolkata, ₹941.50 in Mumbai and ₹957.50 in Chennai.
Another change concerns LPG subsidy. Consumers seeking the government subsidy will need to complete Aadhaar authentication or e-KYC as required under the revised process.
An OTP-based verification system for domestic LPG deliveries is also being introduced. Under the process, an OTP will be sent to the customer’s registered mobile number and verification will be completed before delivery.
Along with LPG, oil marketing companies also revise aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Any increase or decrease in ATF prices can have an impact on airline operating costs and, in turn, air travel expenses.
The current ATF rates mentioned in the source are ₹104,927 per kilolitre in Delhi, ₹109,450 in Kolkata, ₹98,247 in Mumbai and ₹109,873 in Chennai.
SBI ATM and Fixed Deposit Rules
SBI customers will see changes in certain ATM transaction rules from October 1. For SBI Salary Package Account holders using their debit cards at other banks’ ATMs and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines, the number of free monthly transactions will fall from 10 to five. The limit covers both financial and non-financial transactions. After the free limit is exhausted, cash withdrawals will attract a charge of ₹23 plus GST, while non-financial transactions will cost ₹11 plus GST.
For SBI’s Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account holders, the first four cash withdrawals in a month will remain free. From the fifth withdrawal, a charge of ₹15 plus GST per transaction will apply.
There is also a change in the RBI’s framework for bulk fixed deposits. From October 1, banks will have to disclose applicable bulk-deposit interest rates on their websites by 10:00 am on each working day, with a 10-minute grace period. Similar bulk deposits accepted on the same day are generally required to carry uniform rates across branches, subject to specified exceptions under the liquidity framework.
The new FD provisions primarily concern bulk deposits, generally ₹3 crore and above, rather than ordinary retail FDs. The rules do not themselves mandate an increase or decrease in regular retail FD interest rates.
NRI Property TDS Rules Become Simpler
A major tax-related change will affect resident individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) purchasing property from non-residents.
From October 1, such buyers will no longer need to obtain a separate Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) for the transaction. Instead, TDS can be deposited and reported through a PAN-based process using the amended Form 141 and its new Schedule E. The change is intended to simplify compliance for property transactions involving non-resident sellers.
Birth and Death Registration Rules
Rules relating to the registration of births and deaths are also set to become stricter for delayed registrations from October 1.
Registrations made after the prescribed 21-day period may involve additional requirements and penalties. Late applications can also require an affidavit, making it important for families to complete birth and death registration within the prescribed period.
Consumers should check the applicable rules with their local registration authority because procedures and requirements for delayed registration can vary according to the circumstances.
Festive Season Prices and Bank Holidays
With the festive season approaching, prices of household appliances such as televisions, refrigerators and air conditioners may increase from October. Consumers planning to purchase these products may therefore see changes in prices around the beginning of the festive shopping period.
October will also have several bank holidays across different states because of festivals and regional occasions, in addition to regular Sundays and second and fourth Saturdays. Reports put the total number of bank holidays during the month at 16, although the actual holidays differ by state and city.
Customers planning branch visits should check the RBI holiday calendar for their particular location before visiting the bank. Digital banking services such as internet banking and mobile banking will generally continue to be available even when branches are closed.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general awareness and is based on regulations, announcements and reports available before October 1, 2026. The applicability of certain rules, charges, prices and holidays can vary by bank, state, service provider or individual circumstances. Readers should verify the latest information with the relevant government department, bank, LPG distributor or service provider before taking any action.