The government has introduced a new website, ‘savingswithgst.in’, where consumers can check and compare prices of products before and after the new GST rates come into effect on September 22. The website is launched by MyGov, the government’s citizen engagement platform.
The portal has multiple categories such as food items, snacks, household items, household electronics, kitchen items, leisure, and lifestyle, making it easy for consumers to compare prices of their favorite products.
How to Compare Prices
Consumers can visit SavingswithGST.in, add items to their cart, and see three types of prices:
Base Price – the original price of the product
Selling Price under VAT – current price with old VAT rates
Selling Price under Next-Gen GST – price under the new GST rates
For example, if you select milk from the food category:
Base Price: Rs 60 per liter
Price with VAT: Rs 63.6
Price under Next-Gen GST: Rs 60
Users can select items from categories like food, snacks, household goods, electronics, kitchen products, and lifestyle items to see their savings.
Key GST Reforms
Earlier, the GST council approved reducing the four-tier tax structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to:
5% and 18% standard rates
40% for luxury and sin goods
These reforms follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement and are expected to bring direct savings for households.
Some key changes include:
Zero tax on UHT milk, pre-packaged chena/paneer, and Indian breads
5% GST on soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tableware, bicycles
5% GST on packaged snacks, sauces, pasta, chocolates, coffee, preserved meat (down from 12-18%)
18% GST on TVs (under 32 inches), ACs, dishwashers (down from 28%)
18% GST on small cars and two-wheelers below 350cc
5% GST on farm machinery and irrigation equipment
40% GST on tobacco, pan masala, aerated drinks, and luxury goods
These changes will make everyday essentials and household items cheaper and reduce the overall tax burden on consumers.
