**Price Impact of New GST Regime in Bhopal: Minor Cuts Fail to Impress Consumers**
*Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh):* As the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime came into effect on Monday, prices of certain daily-use items saw slight reductions in accordance with the revised tax slabs. However, these minor price cuts failed to uplift consumer sentiment.
Shopkeepers dealing in essential goods told *Free Press* that they have passed on the entire GST reduction to customers. Despite this, consumer expectations—heightened by extensive GST reform coverage—remain high, leading to widespread disappointment.
“After all, in today’s times, five to ten rupees less or more doesn’t make much difference for an average buyer,” remarked one shopkeeper.
Dilip Ahuja, owner of Ahuja General Store in Jumerati, shared that they started selling packaged and other grocery items at the new rates from Monday morning. “But it will take around 15-20 days for the impact of price cuts to be fully felt by consumers,” he explained, adding, “Even if prices are reduced, retailers often continue selling their old stock at previous rates. Only once the old stock is exhausted will the new prices become widespread.”
Sanjay Agarwal, a customer, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “A couple of days ago, I bought 250 grams of edible gum (Gondh) for Rs 100. Today, I bought half a kilogram for Rs 200. So, what is the difference?”
On a positive note, Pappu Pahuja of Pahuja Kirana Store said they began selling dry fruits at new rates from day one. “It is a good decision by the government, and it will boost business while benefitting customers,” he stated.
Another buyer, Sanjay Jain, reported no noticeable change in prices of biscuits and dry fruits he purchased recently. Meanwhile, Sunil Rai commented, “Koyee khaas change nahin laga” (No significant change felt).
The owner of Sarvottam Kirana Store in the Old City noted that their store would switch to the new rates by evening due to server issues.
Traders also clarified that cereals such as wheat, rice, maize, and oats, as well as pulses—whether packaged or loose—will see no price reduction since they were already taxed at the lowest 5% rate. Similarly, packaged milk sold at Sanchi outlets of the Bhopal Dughdha Sangh will maintain existing prices, although other Sanchi products like pedas and sweet curd are expected to become cheaper.
Housewife Nirmala Sharma, while shopping, echoed this sentiment: “Even if there is a change, it is so small that I am not feeling it.”
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### Price Comparison Before and After GST Changes
| Item | Old Price (Rs) | New Price (Rs) |
|————————-|—————-|—————-|
| Biscuit packet | 10 | 9 |
| Butter 100 gm | 62 | 58 |
| Cadbury chocolate packet| 110 | 97 |
| Bread packet | 22 | 20 |
| Hair oil bottle | 47 | 41 |
| Talcum powder | 99 | 87 |
| Toothpaste | 76 | 67 |
| Toothbrush | 20 | 17 |
| Dove shampoo bottle | 220 | 190 |
| Ghee (per kg) | 121 | 114 |
| Pista (per kg) | 1600 | 1500 |
| Anjeer (per kg) | 1200 | 1100 |
| Makhana (per kg) | 1000 | 900 |
| Groundnut (per kg) | 100 | 90 |
| Sabudana (per kg) | 48-52 | 42-48 |
| Kishmish (per kg) | 400-460 | No change |
| Kaju (per kg) | 800-1000 | No change |
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Despite some price reductions, the overall impact of the new GST on consumer prices in Bhopal remains limited, with many customers feeling little difference so far. Retailers expect that it will take a few weeks for new prices to become fully established in the market.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/gst-20-kicks-in-day-1-prices-of-essentials-down-bhopal-shoppers-say-no-big-difference