Overview

• The Centre is gathering nationwide pricing data and inputs from field formations, with submissions due by end-September to assess whether tax cuts are being passed to consumers.
• Preliminary monitoring shows price reductions across nearly 90% of sectors, though smaller and unregistered retailers may lag because of legacy inventory.
• Hindustan Unilever said it is lowering prices on categories that now attract 5% GST, covering about 40% of its portfolio, but expects near-flat September-quarter growth due to order postponements that could extend into October.
• The Finance Ministry’s monthly review says the GST rationalisation should lower inflation over the next year and provide an upside bias to growth.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said insurers have passed on the full GST reduction to policyholders under the Bachat Utsav consumer-savings drive.