Finance & Stock Market
The government lowers GST on frequently used goods; the new rates will take effect on this month's 22nd.


By Kajal Sharma - 04 Sep 2025 09:45 PM
The government has lowered the GST on a number of goods in various categories. The GST reduction rate will take effect on this month's 22nd. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters in New Delhi today that the GST on goods used by the average person and middle class has been lowered from 18% or 12% to 5%. Hair oil, toilet soap, soap bars, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bicycles, dinnerware, kitchenware, and other home items would now only be subject to 5% GST, the Finance Minister announced.She added that the GST rate on paneer, chena, and ultra-high temperature milk has been lowered from 5% to 0%, while the GST rate on all Indian breads would now be 0%. Additionally, Ms. Sitharaman declared that the GST on the following food items has been lowered from 12 or 18 percent to 5 percent: namkeen, bhujia, sauces, pasta, instant noodles, chocolates, coffee, preserved meat, cornflakes, butter, and ghee.The Minister further stated that the GST slab has been reduced from 28% to 18% for commodities such as air conditioners, televisions larger than 32 inches, all TVs, dishwashing machines, small cars, and motorbikes. According to her, labor-intensive businesses have provided substantial support, and today's measures will also benefit farmers and the agriculture industry. According to the Minister, the GST rate on all agricultural equipment has been lowered from 12% to 5%.
Regarding the automobile industry: #GST on small cars and motorcycles up to 350 cc was lowered from 28% to 18%. # The GST on ambulances, buses, and vehicles was lowered from 28% to 18%. # GST on three-wheelers was lowered from 28% to 18%. # All auto parts were subject to a uniform 18% rate.
GST reduction on medical supplies: #33 life-saving medications now have a 12% GST reduction instead of a 0% one. # Three life-saving medications used to treat cancer, rare diseases, and other serious chronic illnesses now have GST cut from 5% to 0%. # GST on certain medications was lowered from 12% to 5%.