Did Mother Dairy Just Make Milk Cheaper by Rs 2 per Litre After GST Changes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) In a positive turn for consumers, milk prices have dropped by Rs 2 per litre following Mother Dairy's announcement to reduce its pricing. This change is aligned with the recent advancements made in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.
The new pricing will take effect in about a week, specifically on September 22, coinciding with the implementation of revised GST slabs on various products.
In addition to milk, price reductions will also extend to several dairy products, including cottage cheese, butter, cheese, and ice creams, as part of the updated GST rates for food items.
This development is a result of significant reforms in GST, where the government has eased the tax burden on essential food items and stationery products. The tax rates have been reduced to 5% and zero, down from the previous 12% and 18% slabs.
Food items such as ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, paneer/chena, and various types of bread, including paratha, khakhra, chapati/roti, and pizza bread, are now exempt from GST. The indirect taxes on packaged snacks, chocolates, sauces, juices, and coffee have also been decreased to 5%, which is expected to stimulate demand and foster industry growth.
Importantly, Mother Dairy had previously stated its intention to pass on these benefits to consumers.
Mother Dairy's Managing Director, Manish Bandlish, in response to the GST council's decision from September 4, remarked, “We appreciate the Union Government's initiative to lower GST rates on a broader array of dairy products, including paneer, cheese, ghee, butter, UHT milk, milk-based beverages, and ice creams.”
“By reducing these tax slabs, this initiative is likely to promote greater acceptance of packaged, value-added dairy products, enhance consumer preference for safe and quality offerings, and allow more families to access nutritious dairy products at better prices,” Bandlish added.
While Amul, another major player in the dairy industry, has not yet announced any price cuts, it is anticipated that leading brands will likely follow suit.