After the cancellation of legal tender character of old ₹ 500 and ₹ 1000 denomination bank notes, the Government had exempted certain categories of transactions wherein the old high denomination bank notes were accepted. The Government had extended the exemption period for these categories from time to time. At present, exemptions are allowed on certain types of transactions wherein payment of old ₹ 500 bank notes are permitted up to a specified date.

The processes of production, dispatch and distribution of currency notes have been continuing and more cash is flowing into the system steadily. The digital transactions have also made an impressive progress and are expected to significantly improve during the coming days. Now, therefore, as digital transaction options have been increasing across different sections of the economy, it has been observed that the outlets of the oil and gas marketing companies are better equipped to accept payments through digital means. Hence, it has been decided that with effect from the midnight of 2nd December, 2016, petrol, diesel and gas outlets of Public Sector oil and gas marketing companies will be removed from the exempted category for receipt of old ₹ 500 bank notes. It may be noted that supply of LPG continues to be in the exempted category for payment through old ₹ 500 bank notes.

Similarly, purchase of air tickets at the airports was included initially in the exempted category. It is observed that air ticketing counters have facilities to accept non cash/digital payments. Further, enough time has been allowed for travelers to be prepared with legal tender and/or non cash modes of payment. It has, therefore, been decided that with effect from midnight of 2nd December, 2016, the exemption allowed for purchase of air tickets at airports through old ₹ 500 notes will be removed from the exempted category.

The other exempted categories that have earlier been notified will continue to accept old ₹ 500 notes as per the said notifications.

Old high-denomination notes exemption removed for petrol, diesel and gas stations and airport ticketing; LPG payments remain permitted. Removal of exemption is announced for acceptance of old high-denomination bank notes at public sector petrol, diesel and gas retail outlets and for purchase of airline tickets at airports, effective midnight of 2nd December, 2016. Supply of domestic LPG sales remains within the exempted category and all other previously notified exempted categories continue unchanged.