Commercial Cylinder Becomes Cheaper By Rs 44.50, Car Buying Becomes Costlier, Unified Pension Scheme Launched; 10 Major Changes From April 1

The new month i.e. April has brought many changes with it. Income up to Rs 12 lakh is not taxed. Apart from this, the prices of cars of Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Kia India, Hyundai India and Honda have increased from today.

1.A commercial cylinder ₹44.50 cheaper, domestic cylinder prices unchanged

From today, a 19-kg commercial cylinder has become cheaper by ₹44.50. In Delhi, its price fell by ₹41 to ₹1762. Earlier it was available for ₹1803. In Kolkata, it fell by Rs 44.50 to Rs 1868.50 from its previous close of Rs 1913.

In Mumbai, the price of a cylinder has come down by ₹42 from ₹1755.50 to ₹1713.50. In Chennai, the cylinder is available for ₹1921.50. However, there is no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg. It is priced at Rs 803 in Delhi and Rs 802.50 in Mumbai.

2. Income up to Rs 12 lakh is exempt from tax under the new regime

Now under the new tax regime, no tax will have to be paid on income up to Rs 12 lakh. The standard deduction of 75 thousand for the employed people will be Rs. 12.75 lakh. The government has also changed the slab of the new tax regime. There is no change in the old tax regime.

3. ‘Mahila Samman Savings Certificate’ Scheme (MSSC) discontinued

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC), a special investment scheme run by the government for women, has been discontinued. The deadline for the scheme was March 31, 2025. The scheme fetches an interest rate of 7.5 per cent per annum. The minimum investment of Rs 1000 to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh had to be invested for 2 years.

4. Buying a four-wheeler is expensive

Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Kia India, Hyundai India and Honda Cars have hiked prices of their vehicles from today. Maruti Suzuki cars have become costlier by up to 4%, this will vary depending on the model.

5. UPI will not work on inactive mobile numbers

If you transact through UPI and your mobile number linked to the bank is inactive for a long time, then you will not be able to use UPI on this number. Such numbers will be removed from the UPI system. In such a situation, it can be difficult for you to make a payment.

6. Double deduction on interest income for senior citizens

The tax exemption for senior citizens on interest income from banks and post offices has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. That is, now senior citizens will get a relief of up to Rs 1 lakh on interest income.

7. Unified Pension Scheme to be launched for Central Government employees

Central employees covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) can now take advantage of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). In this scheme, employees with at least 25 years of service will be eligible for a pension equal to 50% of their average basic salary of the last 12 months. There is also a guarantee of minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.

This scheme has been brought to strike a balance between the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), New Pension Scheme (NPS) and various demands of the employees. Under UPS, employees will contribute 10% of their salary, while the government will contribute 18.5% (in NPS, the government used to give 14%). Employees covered under the existing NPS can opt for UPS or remain in NPS.

8. Capital Gains Tax on ULIPs

If the premium of ULIP i.e. Unit Linked Insurance Plan is more than Rs. 2.5 lakh per year, then it will be considered as a capital asset. Any gains arising from the encashment of such ULIPs will attract capital gains tax. A ULIP is a product in which a portion of the premium is invested in the stock market.

• If it is held for more than 12 months, it will be taxed at 12.5 per cent as long-term capital gains (LTCG).
• If it is held for less than 12 months, it will be taxed at 20% as short-term capital gains (STCG).

9. A number of changes in the rules related to minimum balance in the bank

State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Canara Bank have revised their minimum balance requirements. Now this balance depends on whether your account is in an urban, semi-urban or rural area. You may also have to pay a penalty on the balance less than the fixed amount.

10. ATF cheaper by up to Rs 6, 064.1: Air travel can be cheaper

Oil marketing companies have reduced the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). This will make air travel cheaper. According to Indian Oil’s website, ATF in Chennai has become cheaper by Rs 6, 064.10 to Rs 92, 503.80 per kilolitre (1000 litres).

No change in petrol and diesel prices

There has been no change in the prices of petrol and diesel even today i.e. April 1. In Delhi, petrol is priced at Rs 94.72 / litre and diesel at Rs 87.62 / litre. In Mumbai, petrol is priced at Rs 103.44 / litre and diesel at Rs 89.97 / litre.