Patna: The New Year may bring mixed financial changes for people in Bihar, with land, electricity and car prices likely to rise, while CNG and domestic piped natural gas (PNG) are expected to become cheaper from January 1. In addition, the Nitish Kumar government is set to roll out a major financial support plan for women entrepreneurs in 2026, under which eligible beneficiaries could receive up to Rs 2 lakh in assistance.
Here is a detailed look at five key changes proposed for 2026 that could impact crores of people across the state.
Land prices may rise up to four times
Land prices in Bihar are expected to rise sharply following a proposed revision of circle rates. In some areas, the increase could be as high as four times. This means land currently valued at Rs 10 lakh could be priced up to Rs 40 lakh once the new rates are implemented.
The state government plans to revise circle rates after a long gap of 12 years in rural areas and nine years in urban areas. According to the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, if the revision is not implemented in January, it is likely to be notified by the last week of February. The government has sought reports from registration offices across all districts on existing circle rates and prevailing market prices, with the aim of aligning official rates closer to actual transaction values.
The last revision of circle rates took place in 2016, when prices were increased by 10 to 15 percent. Officials said multiple rounds of internal meetings have already been held, and the government is working on a formula to ensure the revision does not trigger public backlash while addressing the gap between market value and official rates.
Car prices likely to increase by 2–3 percent
Buying a car may become costlier in the New Year, as several automobile manufacturers plan to hike prices due to rising input costs. Companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai and MG Motor are expected to increase prices from January 1. MG Motor has already announced a price hike of up to 2 percent, which will make models like the MG Hector costlier by around Rs 38,000.
In the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have also announced price increases in the range of 2 to 3 percent.
CNG and domestic PNG to become cheaper
In some relief for households and vehicle owners, prices of CNG and domestic PNG are expected to drop by Rs 2 to Rs 3 per unit in Bihar from January 1, 2026. The reduction follows a decision by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to lower gas transportation charges, which will be passed on to consumers.
Up to Rs 2 lakh support for women entrepreneurs
The Nitish Kumar government is set to expand financial assistance under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme. Ahead of elections, around 1.5 crore women associated with self-help groups, popularly known as Jeevika Didis, received Rs 10,000 each as initial support. From 2026, the government plans to provide up to Rs 2 lakh per beneficiary to help them expand their businesses.
Officials said the amount will not be given in one instalment. After an application is submitted, Jeevika Mitras and department officials will conduct a physical verification to assess how the initial Rs 10,000 assistance was used. Based on this assessment, a business expansion plan will be prepared for each beneficiary, and additional funds of up to Rs 2 lakh will be released in phases according to progress. Details regarding the interest rate, if any, have not yet been announced.
Electricity tariff may rise by 35 paise per unit
Electricity tariffs in Bihar may increase by 35 paise per unit in the New Year. Power distribution companies have submitted tariff revision proposals to the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission, which will begin public hearings from January 6. Consumers will be allowed to present their views during the hearings before a final decision is taken.
Under the proposals, domestic electricity rates may rise from Rs 7.42 to Rs 7.77 per unit, with a subsidy of Rs 1.18 per unit proposed for consumption above 100 units. Currently, after subsidy, consumers pay Rs 2.45 per unit in rural areas and Rs 5.52 per unit in urban areas.
For agricultural use, the tariff for irrigation may increase from Rs 6.74 to Rs 7.09 per unit, though farmers would continue to pay 55 paise per unit after subsidy. For small industries, rates are proposed to rise from Rs 7.79 to Rs 8.14 per unit, with similar increases suggested for other industrial and commercial categories.
If approved, these changes could significantly affect household budgets, property buyers, businesses and consumers across Bihar in 2026.
