Household items after budget 2025-26: See what gets cheaper and what costs more

Budget 2025-26 also places higher taxes on several items, which will lead to increased prices for consumers
A woman shops for groceries at El Progreso Market in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, DC, US, August 19, 2022. — Reuters

A woman shops for groceries at El Progreso Market in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, DC, US, August 19, 2022. — Reuters

The budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 is said to be attracting mixed reactions from both analysts and the general public, the reason being the reduction in regulatory duties by up to 5% to make numerous imported items more affordable, while striking some essentials and food products with additional duties, making them more expensive.

Which household items will get cheaper after budget 2025-26?

As outlined in the budget for FY26, over 600 food and beverage items are expected to see price reductions, including:

  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Honey
  • Various beverages
  • Imported milk cream
  • Flavoured milk
  • Condensed milk
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Toffees
  • Candies
  • Biscuits
  • Jellies
  • Ice cream
  • Snacks like papadum and chips
  • Imported chocolates

Makeup and cosmetic products to get cheaper after budget 2025-26

Similarly, the budget also curtailed the financial burden on women by reducing prices of most of the makeup and cosmetic products. These include:

  • Beautification gear
  • Hair styling items
  • Blush
  • Mascara
  • Lotions
  • Perfumes

Which everyday products will get expensive after budget 2025-26?

On the other hand, the budget also places higher taxes on several items, which will lead to increased prices for consumers on the following items:

  • Vehicles (18% tax)
  • Petroleum products (carbon levy of Rs2.5per litre)
  • Juices (5% tax)
  • Carbonated water (5% tax)
  • Mineral water (5% tax)
  • Pet food (including for dogs and cats)
  • Coffee (5% tax)
  • Chocolates (5% tax)
  • Cereal bars (5% tax)

An 18% tax on imported solar panels is expected to raise costs for renewable energy products, while an 18% tax on hybrid vehicles running on petrol and diesel will further inflate vehicle prices.

Additionally, a 2% tax on online sales has been imposed on both e-commerce consumers and sellers.

These tax reforms translate the government's strategy to expand the tax net while reducing the financial burden on households through price cuts on essential goods.