National/Alive News: Five major changes related to LPG prices, telecom services, toll payments, mutual funds and GST rules have come into effect from November 1, 2026. Commercial LPG cylinders have become costlier by up to ₹17, while mobile phone users will be able to see the registered name of unknown callers on their screens.
The changes are expected to affect household expenses, businesses, vehicle owners, investors and small online sellers.
1. Commercial LPG Cylinder Prices Increased by Up to ₹17
Oil marketing companies have increased the prices of commercial LPG cylinders by up to ₹17 from November 1, ahead of Diwali.
The increase may raise operating costs for restaurants, hotels and catering businesses. As a result, consumers could see a slight increase in the prices of tea, snacks and restaurant meals. Wedding catering services may also become more expensive.
Meanwhile, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have also increased by ₹1.37 per litre. The price has gone up from ₹137.12 to ₹138.50 per litre. This is the fourth consecutive monthly increase in jet fuel prices.
2. Registered Names of Unknown Callers to Appear on Mobile Screens
Mobile users will now be able to see the registered name of an unknown caller along with the phone number when they receive a call.
The name will be based on the identity details provided by the person while purchasing the SIM card, such as government identification documents.
Users will not need to install third-party applications like Truecaller or activate any additional service. Telecom companies have been directed by the Department of Telecommunications to implement the facility.
The move is expected to help users identify unknown callers and reduce the risk of fraudulent and fake calls.
3. Annual FASTag Pass for People Living Near Toll Plazas
Private vehicle owners living within 20 kilometres of a toll plaza will be eligible for a local FASTag pass.
Under the new arrangement, eligible residents can get a one-year pass by paying a fixed fee of ₹1,500 or ₹3,000, depending on the applicable category.
The facility is expected to benefit people who regularly travel through nearby toll plazas. Instead of making repeated toll payments, they can use the annual pass and save money.
4. Direct Mutual Fund Plans to Become the Default Option
From November 1, direct mutual fund plans will be selected by default on mutual fund companies’ digital investment platforms.
If an investor chooses a regular plan instead, a warning will appear on the first screen explaining the additional cost. The expense difference between direct and regular plans can range from 0.66% to 1.7%.
Direct plans do not involve distributor commissions and generally have lower expense ratios. This can help investors save money over the long term.
For example, an investor making a 20-year SIP could potentially gain an additional benefit of up to ₹22 lakh, depending on the investment amount and returns.
5. GST Rules Relaxed for Small Online Sellers
Small e-commerce sellers will find it easier to sell products in different states under the revised GST rules.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has relaxed registration requirements. Eligible sellers can now use the address of an e-commerce platform’s warehouse, such as Amazon or Flipkart, as their GST registration address in another state.
This means small businesses will not need to open separate physical offices in every state where they want to sell their products.
The change is expected to benefit around 9.5 lakh small businesses and suppliers by reducing operating costs and making it easier to reach customers across the country.
