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Starting July 1, 2026, several important financial and regulatory changes have come into effect across India. These updates will impact banking, digital payments, LPG prices, passport services, car purchases, and credit card benefits, affecting millions of consumers.

Here's a look at the 10 biggest changes you should know. 1. Free Aadhaar Email Linking

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has made email linking with Aadhaar completely free from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Earlier, users had to pay Rs.75 for this service.

2. Passport Fees Increased

Getting a new passport or renewing an existing one has become more expensive.

Normal passport: Fee increased from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,500

Tatkal passport: Fee increased from Rs.3,500 to Rs.5,000

The revised charges apply to both fresh applications and renewals.

3. Commercial LPG Becomes Cheaper

Oil marketing companies have reduced the price of the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by Rs.183.50, marking the first price cut of 2026.

In Delhi, the price has dropped from Rs.3,113 to Rs.2,930, offering relief to restaurants, hotels, and commercial establishments. However, the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged.

4. 5-kg LPG Cylinder Also Gets Cheaper

The price of the 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder has been reduced by Rs.13. In Delhi, the revised retail price is Rs.808.50, down from Rs.821.50.

5. Nayara Energy Cuts Fuel Prices

Private fuel retailer Nayara Energy has reduced petrol prices by Rs.5 per litre and diesel prices by Rs.3 per litre across its nationwide network.

This is the first retail fuel price reduction by any company in more than two years. Actual prices may vary from state to state due to VAT and other local taxes.

6. Buying a New Car May Cost More

Planning to purchase a new car? Be prepared to pay more. Several automobile manufacturers have announced price hikes ranging from 1.5% to 3%, citing higher production costs and rising raw material prices.

7. Credit Card Rules Revised

Many banks and credit card issuers have updated their rewards programmes from July 1. Key changes include- Reward points may no longer be available on select transactions. Free airport lounge access will now require a minimum spending threshold. Several banks will offer complimentary domestic lounge access only if customers spend at least Rs.60,000 in a quarter.

8. Banks Face Stricter Rules on Mis-selling

Banks can no longer sell financial products without a customer's explicit consent. Under the new guidelines:

• Customers cannot be misled into buying financial products.
• Banks cannot bundle unwanted products with other services.
• Recommendations must be based on the customer's actual financial needs.
• Customers will be entitled to a full refund if a case of mis-selling is established.

9. PF Withdrawals Through UPI Expected Soon

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to launch its EPFO 3.0 digital platform in July.

Once operational, EPF subscribers will be able to withdraw their Provident Fund money through UPI, reducing the withdrawal process from several days to just a few minutes.

10. ITR Filing Deadline

The last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the current financial year is July 31, 2026. Missing the deadline could attract a penalty ranging from Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000, depending on the delay and applicable rules.