What was cheap and what was expensive in the budget (imaginary photo- gemini)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the ninth consecutive Union Budget. Budget 2026-27 is giving a new direction to the domestic balance of the Indian economy. This time the budget has changed everything from morning coffee to stock market trading.
On one hand, cancer medicines, foreign education and solar panels are on the way to become cheaper in the budget, while on the other hand, expenditure on imported liquor, coffee machines and trading activities is going to increase. Let us know what will be cheap and what will be expensive in Union Budget 2026-27.
Products whose price may be reduced-
Sports Equipment: In the budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman proposed to start 'Khelo India Mission'. Its objective will be to focus on employment, skill development and job opportunities in the sports world. This is expected to improve the quality of sports equipment.
Leather Goods-Finance Minister Sitharaman announced duty-free exemption on import of certain specified materials available for export of leather. This is expected to make leather or synthetic shoes cheaper.
Cancer Medicines-Finance Minister announced customs duty exemption on 17 cancer medicines. Along with this, a proposal has also been received to make 7 other rare diseases cheaper.
Seafood-Finance Minister has announced the imposition of duty free ban on fish caught outside territorial waters to support the fishing community.
Microwave Oven-The Finance Minister has announced exemption from basic customs duty on certain specific parts used in the manufacturing of microwave ovens.
Solar Panel-Finance Minister has extended the basic customs duty exemption on capital goods used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells to boost the energy sector. Along with this, the basic customs duty on the import of sodium antimonate used in making solar glass has been removed. This is expected to make solar panels cheaper.
Electric Vehicle Batteries: According to the Union Budget 2026-27, import duty on machinery used in making lithium-ion battery cells will be exempted. This will help in reducing manufacturing costs and promoting domestic battery production.
Foreign travel – The tax on foreign tour packages has been reduced to 2% from the earlier 5% and 20%, and there is no limit on the minimum amount. This means that now travelers will have to pay less in advance while booking foreign travel. Apart from this, the total interest rate (TCS) charged on money sent for education and medical treatment abroad has been reduced from 5% to 2%.
Products whose price may increase-
Business and some corporate cash-distribution channels may become more expensive due to proposed changes in buyback taxation, securities transaction tax (STT) and tax collected at source (TCS) on select commodities, according to the Budget 2026-27.
Video Games: The central government will withdraw customs duty exemption on components used in making video games from April 1. Due to this, video game consoles or locally manufactured gaming equipment may be slightly more expensive.
Coffee Center The government has removed customs duty exemption on machines that roast, make and sell coffee. This is likely to make imported coffee machines more expensive, increasing costs for cafes, offices and businesses that rely on such equipment.
In the liquor budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman has proposed that the total sales tax (TCS) rate for liquor sellers will be rationalized to 2%. Currently the TCS rate on sale of liquor for consumption by the common man is 1%. That means the price of liquor will increase.
Fertilizer: The government has withdrawn customs duty exemption on naphtha used in fertilizer production. This means that there will be an increase in the prices of fertilizers also.
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