New Rules from 1 October 2026: Aadhaar Biometric Must for LPG Subsidy, RBI Bulk FD Rules, Delhi Pink Saheli Card and More
Several rules change from 1 October 2026. LPG subsidy will need biometric Aadhaar authentication, banks must publish bulk FD rates daily under new RBI rules, Delhi women need the Pink Saheli smart card for free bus travel, and new small savings rates are due.
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Rule Changes from 1 October 2026
A new month brings several changes that affect household budgets. From 1 October 2026, LPG subsidy will depend on biometric Aadhaar authentication, new RBI rules on bulk fixed deposits take effect, and women in Delhi will need the Pink Saheli smart card for free bus travel. Here is what is changing and what you need to do.
| Change | Effective | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric Aadhaar authentication for LPG subsidy | 1 October 2026 | Domestic LPG consumers yet to complete it |
| Bulk FD (₹3 crore+) rate disclosure | 1 October 2026 | Large depositors and banks |
| Pink Saheli smart card for free bus travel | 1 October 2026 | Women and transgender passengers in Delhi |
| Small savings interest rates (Oct–Dec) | Announcement expected around 30 September | PPF, SSY, SCSS, NSC investors |
1. LPG Subsidy Only After Biometric Aadhaar Authentication
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced on 19 September 2026 that from 1 October 2026, domestic LPG consumers must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to continue getting subsidised refills. The deadline had been extended several times before.
Consumers who don't complete BAA will still get LPG, but at market price without subsidy, and only in 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders. As of 19 September, about 27.43 crore consumers (89.9%) had already completed BAA.
How to complete it:
1. At home, through the delivery person's app when your cylinder is delivered.
2. At your LPG distributor's showroom.
3. Yourself, using the IndianOil ONE, HelloBPCL or HP PAY app, depending on your gas company.
LPG toll-free helpline: 1800 2333 555.
2. RBI's New Bulk Fixed Deposit Rules
From 1 October 2026, a single rupee term deposit of ₹3 crore and above will be treated as a bulk deposit. Banks must publish their bulk deposit rates by 10:00 AM every working day, and the same amount and tenure on the same day must get the same rate at all branches. The rules apply to commercial banks, small finance banks, regional rural banks, local area banks, payments banks and urban co-operative banks.
Impact on you: Regular FDs below ₹3 crore are not directly affected. The change mainly brings transparency for large depositors such as businesses, trusts and high-net-worth individuals.
3. Delhi: Pink Saheli Smart Card Needed for Free Bus Travel
Paper pink tickets for free travel in DTC and cluster buses were allowed until 30 September 2026. From 1 October, women and transgender passengers in Delhi need the Pink Saheli smart card to travel free. If you haven't got the card yet, apply at the designated centres or through the official process announced by the Delhi government.
4. Small Savings Interest Rates for October–December
The Finance Ministry is expected to announce interest rates for small savings schemes for the October–December 2026 quarter around 30 September. Current rates (July–September 2026) are shown below; check the new notification before investing.
| Scheme | Current Rate (Jul–Sep 2026) |
|---|---|
| Public Provident Fund (PPF) | 7.1% |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) | 8.2% |
| Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) | 8.2% |
| National Savings Certificate (NSC) | 7.7% |
| Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) | 7.5% |
| Post Office Monthly Income Scheme | 7.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will my LPG connection stop if I don't do biometric authentication?
No. You will still get LPG, but without subsidy and only in 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders.
Q2. Can I complete LPG biometric authentication on my phone?
Yes, using the IndianOil ONE, HelloBPCL or HP PAY app.
Q3. Do the new RBI FD rules affect normal FDs?
No. They apply to single deposits of ₹3 crore and above.
Q4. When will new small savings rates be announced?
Around 30 September 2026, for the October–December quarter.
Conclusion
The most important action for most households is completing biometric Aadhaar authentication for LPG right away, so the subsidy continues. Delhi commuters should get their Pink Saheli card, and small savers should check the new rates after 30 September.