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The final month of the year has begun with a mix of relief and inconvenience for consumers across the country. As December rolls in, several important rule changes and price revisions have come into effect from 1 December, directly impacting household budgets, travel plans and financial decisions. While businesses received slight relief with a drop in commercial LPG cylinder prices, rising aviation fuel costs and other regulatory changes have brought some unwelcome surprises.

Here is a detailed look at the four major changes that came into force from 1 December and how they may affect you.

1. Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Reduced by ₹10

December begins with a small but meaningful relief for commercial users. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reduced the price of the 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder by ₹10 across major cities. This reduction follows last month’s ₹5 cut and brings some breathing room for restaurants, cafés, hotels and businesses that rely on bulk LPG consumption.

• Commercial LPG cylinder price reduced by ₹10

• Beneficial mainly for hotels, restaurants, eateries and small businesses

• No change in domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinder prices

Domestic LPG users will continue to pay the same rate as last month, with no revision in household cylinder prices. For families, this means stable monthly expenses, while commercial establishments enjoy slight cost savings.

2. ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) Becomes Costlier

While LPG has become cheaper for businesses, air travel may become more expensive. According to data from Indian Oil Corporation, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has seen a sharp increase starting 1 December.

Here are the revised ATF prices (per kilolitre):

• Delhi: ₹99,676.77 (up by ₹5,133.75)

• Kolkata: ₹1,02,371.02

• Mumbai: ₹93,281.04

• Chennai: ₹1,03,301.80

This steep rise in aviation fuel costs is likely to impact airlines’ operating expenses. As a result, air ticket prices may see an upward revision in the coming days, especially during the peak travel season of December.

3. Banks to Remain Closed for 17 Days in December

December is full of bank holidays, and customers are advised to plan their banking activities carefully. Based on the RBI’s holiday calendar, banks across various states will observe up to 17 non-working days, including:

• Sundays and second/fourth Saturdays

• State-specific holidays as per local events and festivals

Important note:

• Not all states will observe all 17 holidays

• Bank closures vary by region, so customers must verify the holiday schedule for their state

• On 1 December, only Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland had bank holidays

• Banks across India will remain closed on 25 December (Christmas)

Customers planning cash transactions, branch visits, locker access or paperwork should check their local branch's working schedule before stepping out.

4. No Extension for UPS Option Deadline

The fourth important change affects government employees. The government has not extended the deadline for choosing between the National Pension System (NPS) and the newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Key points:

• The last date to opt for UPS was 30 November 2025

• Earlier, the deadline had been extended from 30 September to 30 November

• Starting 1 December, employees will no longer be able to switch from NPS to UPS

This means that government employees who missed the deadline will now continue under their existing pension structure without the option to shift.

A Mixed Start to December

With price cuts on commercial LPG cylinders and a packed calendar of bank holidays, the month begins on a mixed note. While businesses gain minor relief, rising aviation fuel prices may hit frequent flyers. Government employees, on the other hand, now have fewer pension choices due to the closure of the UPS switch window.

As the year comes to an end, these changes will shape consumer spending, travel decisions, and daily planning throughout December.