October 2026 rule changes: No PUC, no fuel, higher Mumbai tolls, UPI charges and 4 more updates

October brings seven important rule and policy changes that could affect everyday consumers and businesses across India. From “no PUC, no fuel” in Delhi and higher Mumbai tolls for commercial vehicles to new UPI merchant charges, here are the key changes to know from October 1, 2026.

No PUC, no fuel in Delhi from October 1

From October 1, vehicles in Delhi without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be allowed to refuel at petrol stations, according to an announcement made by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on September 26.

The system will cover all 500 fuel stations in the city equipped with number plate recognition technology. The government plans to run a public awareness campaign throughout October and upgrade PUC centres in November.


The measure is specific to Delhi and is not a nationwide rule. Reports also said a direction from the Commission for Air Quality Management will apply the system across the wider National Capital Region from October 1. In addition, non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are to be barred from entering the city from November 1.

Also Read: October 2026 holiday list: Check when schools, banks and government offices will remain closed for festivals

Mumbai toll rates for commercial vehicles increase

Commercial vehicles entering and exiting Mumbai will face higher toll charges from October 1. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) announced the revised rates on Wednesday.

Under the new structure, mini buses and Light Commercial Vehicles will pay Rs 90 instead of Rs 75. The toll for buses and trucks will increase to Rs 180 from Rs 150, while heavy motor vehicles will be charged Rs 225 instead of Rs 190.

Private cars and SUVs will continue to be exempt from the toll at Mumbai entry points. Public transport buses, auto rickshaws and taxis will also not be charged.

The revised rates will apply at five entry points: Airoli, Mulund LBS, Mulund Eastern Expressway, Dahisar and Vashi.

MSRDC has also said commercial vehicle operators can purchase toll coupons in advance. Buyers of 50 coupons will receive a 25% discount, while those purchasing 100 coupons will get a 50% discount. Discount journey smart cards will also be available at toll plazas.

Transporters have opposed the increase, arguing that the additional expense could lead to higher freight charges and eventually increase costs for consumers.

UPI merchant charges begin from October 15

Merchant payments made through UPI above Rs 2,000 will attract a 0.4% merchant discount rate (MDR) from October 15. The change ends the zero-MDR arrangement that has been in place for the past six years.

For transactions above Rs 75,000, the MDR will be capped at Rs 300 per transaction. Payments made directly between individuals will remain free, while merchant transactions of up to Rs 2,000 will also continue without the charge.

The government has said the new fee will not affect around 96% of person-to-merchant transactions. Business groups, however, have raised concerns that the additional cost could increase expenses for merchants and potentially be passed on to customers.

The fee is also facing a legal challenge. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the Reserve Bank of India and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), but declined to grant an interim stay.

SBI Salary Package account holders get fewer free ATM transactions

From October 1, State Bank of India Salary Package Account holders will receive five free monthly transactions at other banks’ ATMs, compared with the earlier limit of 10.

The revised limit applies to transactions at other banks’ automated teller machines and is among the banking-related changes coming into effect this month.

Aadhaar authentication required for subsidised LPG

Domestic LPG consumers seeking subsidised cylinders must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication.

Consumers who have already completed the required biometric authentication will not need to undergo the process again. The requirement is part of the measures governing access to subsidised LPG.

New NPS charges come into effect

New charges under the National Pension System will also apply from October 1.

The revised structure includes a one-time charge of Rs 200 for each Permanent Retirement Account Number and a recurring fee of 0.20% of assets under management.

RBI policy decision due on October 7

The Reserve Bank of India is scheduled to announce its next monetary policy decision on October 7.

The policy review will be another key financial event to watch during October, alongside the other changes already taking effect during the month.