New GST Rates: Hindustan Unilever Cuts Prices – Shampoo Rs 55, Horlicks Rs 20, Soap Rs 8

Business News:To provide relief to consumers, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced a reduction in the prices of many of its popular products. This includes everyday use products like Horlicks, Dove Shampoo, Lux Soap, Kisan Jam and Lifebuoy Soap. According to the information given by the company, a 340 ml Dove shampoo bottle will now be available for Rs 435 instead of Rs 490. The price of four packs of 75 grams of Lifebuoy soap has been reduced from Rs 68 to Rs 60. Apart from this, a 200 gram jar of Horlicks will be available for Rs 110, down from Rs 130. At the same time, the price of 200 grams of Kisan Jam has been reduced from Rs 90 to Rs 80.

New prices will be applicable from September 22

However, consumers will not get the benefit of these new prices immediately. According to the advertisement issued by HUL, the new rates will come into effect from September 22. The company said that a fresh stock of packs with a revised maximum retail price (MRP) or more grams is being sent to the markets.

Apart from this, as per the rule, companies will have to inform dealers and state and central officials about the new prices by advertising in at least two newspapers.

Prices reduced after GST Council's decision

This step has been taken after the government's directive, in which consumer goods manufacturers were ordered to pass on the benefits of GST reduction to the customers. In the 56th meeting of the GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 3, it was announced thattax rates on many items would be reduced.

Under the new decision, the tax structure has been simplified into three slabs:

• 5%
• 18%
• 40%

These products will have zero GST

According to the new rules, some products have been made completely GST free (0% GST). These include:

• Cheese
• UHT Milk
• Khakhra
• Pizza Bread
• Roti and Paratha

5% GST applicable on these

GST on certain food items and everyday use items has been reduced from 12-18% to 5%. These include:

• Condensed Milk
• Butter
• Ghee
• Cottage Cheese
• Jams, Sauces and Soups
• Pasta and Namkeen
• Confectionery Items
• Dates, Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios, Figs
• Citrus Fruits and Other Dry Fruits

MRP Change Allowed on Unsold Stock

The government has allowed manufacturers, packers and importers to revise the MRP on unsold stock as per the new GST rates. This change can be implemented till 31 December 2025 or till the stock runs out, whichever is earlier. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that MRP revision can only be done in accordance with tax changes. He clearly said that any increase or decrease in price should be done only according to tax changes. The revised MRP can be shown on the packaging through a sticker, stamp or online print, but the original price should be clearly visible.

New packs will be available from September 22

HUL and other FMCG companies will soon send packs with new price tags to the market. It is expected that with this move, the products of everyday needs will become cheaper in the coming time and consumers will get direct benefit.