From SBI credit card rules to silver jewellery hallmarking, five key changes coming from September 1

From September 1, 2025, several important changes will come into effect that could directly impact the everyday lives and expenses of people across the country. These updates range from banking rules to household essentials like LPG gas, jewellery, postal services, and fuel. Some of these changes are expected to bring relief to families, while others may reduce certain benefits. Here’s a detailed look at the five big changes coming from September 1.

SBI credit card, LPG prices and silver jewellery hallmarking

The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, has announced a major change for its credit card customers. From September 1, reward points will no longer be given for transactions on certain platforms. This includes digital gaming, specific merchant categories, and some government-related payments. The change will affect millions of cardholders who regularly earn points on such transactions.

This decision means that SBI cardholders will need to be more careful about how they use their cards if they want to maximise their reward benefits. Regular shopping, dining, or fuel purchases will still earn reward points, but payments on excluded platforms will not. For many people, this may reduce the overall value they get from their cards.

Another big change is expected in the prices of LPG cylinders. Every month, oil companies revise gas cylinder rates on the 1st of the month. On August 1, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder was reduced by ₹33.50, while domestic cylinder prices remained unchanged. For September, there is hope that the government may extend relief to domestic LPG cylinders as well, bringing some financial ease to households. A reduction in domestic gas prices would be a welcome step, especially for middle-class and lower-income families who struggle with rising household expenses.

In the jewellery sector, the government is introducing hallmarking for silver jewellery. Starting September 1, silver items can carry a hallmark to prove their purity. At the beginning, this rule will be voluntary. Customers can choose whether they want to buy hallmarked jewellery or not. Over time, the government is expected to make it compulsory, just as it did earlier for gold jewellery. This move will protect buyers by ensuring that the jewellery they purchase is genuine and of the promised quality. Jewellers, too, will have to maintain higher standards to meet customer expectations.

Postal service changes and possible fuel price revision

India Post is also introducing a major change in its services from September 1. The registered post service, which has been used for decades for official communication, will be merged with speed post. After this, there will no longer be a separate option for registered post. All items that people used to send via registered post will now be delivered through speed post.

This change is aimed at modernising and simplifying postal services. Speed post is already faster and more reliable compared to registered post. By merging the two, the postal department wants to reduce duplication and increase efficiency. However, some people who are used to the traditional system may take time to adjust. For important legal papers, government notices, and other official documents, speed post will now be the only option.

Apart from these, the prices of CNG (compressed natural gas) and PNG (piped natural gas) may also change in September. For the past few months, these prices have remained steady. However, based on international market conditions, a revision looks possible. Any increase in prices would raise the daily travel costs for people who use CNG vehicles and increase kitchen expenses for families using PNG. On the other hand, a price cut would provide much-needed relief for households and public transport operators.

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Why these changes matter

These five updates, though different, will touch multiple aspects of people’s daily lives. For banking customers, changes in SBI credit card rewards mean fewer benefits on certain transactions. For households, any cut in LPG, CNG, or PNG prices would bring much-needed relief, while a hike could add to inflation worries. Jewellery buyers will gain more transparency and confidence with the start of silver hallmarking. The postal service merger will simplify processes but also marks the end of the old registered post system that many people trusted for decades.

As September begins, individuals will need to adapt to these updates, whether by planning their spending differently, keeping an eye on fuel prices, or making informed decisions while purchasing jewellery. Together, these changes show how financial and policy updates can have a real impact on everyday life.