On the first day of every month, new rules or changes often come into effect in India, impacting various aspects of daily life. December 1, 2024, is no different, bringing updates related to LPG cylinder prices, credit card policies, telecom guidelines, air travel costs, and more. Here’s a detailed look at these changes:
1. LPG Cylinder Price Hike
- What’s Changed?
The price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders has been increased starting December 1, 2024.- Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged.
- This marks the fifth consecutive monthly hike for commercial LPG cylinders.
2. Credit Card Policy Updates
- SBI Cards
- No reward points will be offered for transactions related to digital gaming platforms or merchants.
- Yes Bank
- Reduced the number of reward points redeemable for flights and hotels.
- HDFC Bank
- Users of Regalia credit cards will now receive lounge access only after spending ₹1 lakh per quarter.
3. Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) Price Increase
- Impact on Air Travel:
- Oil marketing companies have raised the prices of air turbine fuel (ATF).
- This is likely to result in costlier air tickets for travelers.
4. New Telecom Guidelines for Message Traceability
- Issued by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India):
- Effective December 1, 2024, these guidelines aim to reduce scams and phishing.
- Key Points:
- Every commercial message, including OTPs, must be traceable for origin and authenticity.
- Telecom operators and messaging providers must comply with these standards.
- TRAI assures no delays in OTP delivery under the new system.
5. Costlier Travel to the Maldives
- Departure Fee Hike:
- The Maldives has increased the departure fees for international travelers:
- Economy class: From $30 (₹2,532) to $50 (₹4,220).
- Business class: From $60 (₹5,064) to $120 (₹10,129).
- First class: From $90 (₹7,597) to $240 (₹20,257).
- Private jets: From $120 (₹10,129) to $480 (₹40,515).
- The Maldives has increased the departure fees for international travelers:
6. Closure of Special Fixed Deposit Schemes
- Two special FD schemes will end on December 1, 2024:
- IDBI Bank Utsav FD.
- Punjab and Sind Bank’s Special FD.
Summary Table of Key Changes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| LPG Cylinder Prices | Increase for 19 kg commercial cylinders; no change for domestic cylinders. |
| Credit Card Policies | SBI, Yes Bank, and HDFC Bank introduced restrictions and reduced benefits on reward points. |
| Air Turbine Fuel | Price hike, likely increasing air travel costs. |
| Telecom Rules | TRAI’s traceability guidelines for OTPs and commercial messages to reduce scams. |
| Maldives Departure Fee | Economy: $50, Business: $120, First Class: $240, Private Jets: $480. |
| Special FD Closure | IDBI Bank Utsav FD and Punjab and Sind Bank Special FD schemes to end. |
