GST rate cuts come into effect: What gets cheaper and costlier from today ?
PTC News Desk: With GST 2.0 taking effect from Monday (September 22), consumers across India will notice a shift in the prices of daily goods and services.
In a national address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “From tomorrow, next-generation GST reforms will roll out. The GST bachat utsav will begin, boosting savings for families, retailers, farmers, and enterprises, while propelling India’s growth story.” The revamped tax system aims to ease costs on essentials and widely used products, while increasing levies on luxury and sin goods.
For households, this translates to lighter grocery bills and lower prices on dairy and appliances, but steeper costs for indulgences such as premium alcohol, cigarettes, and large motorcycles.
RELIEF ON DAILY ESSENTIALS
The savings start with everyday groceries. Amul, the country’s largest dairy producer, has announced cuts on over 400 products, including butter, ghee, paneer, chocolates, bakery snacks, and frozen foods.
In Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi ghee will drop in price by nearly ₹40. Karnataka’s state-run Nandini brand is also reducing rates on ghee, butter, cheese, and milk-based products. Staples like edible oils, packaged flour, and soaps will become more affordable under the revised slabs.
LOWER COST OF ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES
Electronics and household appliances are also set to benefit. Prices of air conditioners and dishwashers are dropping, in some cases by ₹4,500–₹8,000. Televisions, computer monitors, and projectors will now attract an 18% GST rate, lower than before.
Budget refrigerators and smartphones under ₹25,000 will also see reductions—welcome news for families planning festive-season shopping.
MAJOR PRICE CUTS ON CARS & BIKES
Automobiles are perhaps the biggest winners. Maruti Suzuki has announced discounts across models such as the Alto, Swift, Brezza, and Baleno, with reductions going up to ₹1.2 lakh.
WHAT GETS COSTLIER UNDER GST 2.0
However, luxuries and sin goods will become more expensive. Cigarettes, gutkha, pan masala, and chewing tobacco are now placed under the steep 40% GST slab.
Soft drinks, especially aerated and sugary beverages, also face higher rates. For biking enthusiasts, larger motorcycles above 350cc—including Royal Enfield’s Himalayan and 650cc series—will carry a higher price tag.
Luxury cars and SUVs, especially imported models, are expected to see a rise in cost under the new “demerit” category. Premium alcohol and imported watches too fall into the higher-tax bracket.
- With inputs from agencies
