As we bid goodbye to April, May is set to kick off with notable changes that might impact every household and individual across the country. Starting May 1, 2025, a series of pivotal updates, ranging from LPG cylinder prices to ATM withdrawal rules, will take place. Let’s dive into these five significant changes...
First Change: LPG Prices
Companies in the oil market typically revise LPG gas prices on the first day of each month. On May 1st, new LPG cylinder rates will be announced. Previously, in the last month, a reduction in the price of 19 kg LPG cylinders was observed. Conversely, at the beginning of the month, the government increased the price of 14 kg domestic cylinders by 50 rupees, shocking the general public. This makes the May 1st revision eagerly anticipated.
Source: aajtak
Second Change: ATF-CNG-PNG Prices
Along with revising LPG gas cylinder rates, oil marketing companies also adjust the prices of aviation fuel—Air Turbine Fuel (ATF)—on the first day of the month. Any fluctuation in ATF prices can affect the costs for travelers taking flights. Additionally, changes to CNG and PNG prices are also expected on May 1st, potentially impacting transportation and household energy costs.
Third Change: ATM Withdrawals
If you frequently use ATM machines to withdraw cash, May 1, 2025, may make it more expensive for you. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently approved a proposal by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to increase fees. Consequently, from May 1st, customers using another network bank’s ATM, rather than their home bank, will be charged 19 rupees per transaction, up from the previous 17 rupees. Additionally, checking your balance at a non-home bank ATM will cost 7 rupees instead of 6.
Source: aajtak
Several prominent banks have also begun updating their websites to inform customers about charges following free-limit transactions. According to HDFC Bank, from May 1, 2025, the transaction fee after the Free Transaction Limit has been exceeded will increase from 21 rupees plus tax to 23 rupees plus tax. Punjab National Bank (PNB) and IndusInd Bank will charge 23 rupees for cash withdrawals from their ATMs.
Fourth Change: Railway Ticket Booking Rules
Come May 1, 2025, Indian Railway will implement changes in ticket booking rules. Specifically, waiting-list tickets will only be valid for the general coach, meaning you cannot travel in a sleeper coach with a waiting ticket. Furthermore, the advance reservation period will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days.
Source: aajtak
Fifth Change: Implementation of RRB Scheme
Another significant change set for May 1, 2025, involves the launch of the 'One State-One RRB' scheme in 11 states. This initiative will integrate all regional rural banks within a state into a single, comprehensive bank. Such integration aims to enhance banking services, bringing better facilities and more convenience to customers in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, among others.
