What Gets Cheaper and More Expensive After Budget 2026?

The Union Budget for 2026–27, presented on February 1, 2026, outlines several adjustments to customs duties and tax rates across multiple sectors. The Finance Minister announced reductions aimed at lowering costs for medicines, consumer goods, clean‑energy components, and certain industrial inputs.

At the same time, specific goods such as alcohol, cigarettes, and minerals will see higher costs due to increased taxation. The proposed changes are part of wider budget measures focused on domestic industry support, public welfare, and sectoral development across the economy.

Items Becoming Cheaper Under Budget 2026

The budget includes several measures intended to reduce prices for essential and frequently used items. Personal‑use imported goods will become cheaper with lower duties designed to improve affordability for travellers and consumers.

Items Becoming More Expensive Under Budget 2026

Selected products will see increased taxation as part of the revised duty structure. Alcohol is expected to become more expensive due to an increase in the tax collected at source (TCS) rate.

Market Impact and Implementation

The pricing changes outlined in the Budget are structured to influence both consumption patterns and industrial input costs. While reductions focus on improving access to critical goods and supporting priority sectors, increases are centred on products associated with health concerns and specific industrial categories.

These budget measures will take effect upon approval by both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament. Entities across sectors may update sourcing, pricing, and compliance processes once final notifications are issued.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2026 reduces duties on a wide range of consumer, medical, industrial, and clean‑energy products while increasing taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and selected raw materials.

These changes aim to balance affordability with regulatory and sectoral priorities. The final impact on markets and consumers will follow once the budget proposals receive parliamentary approval and are formally implemented.

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