Price Relief Must Reach The People: Piyush Goyal Calls On Industry To Fully Transfer GST Reform Gains

As India prepares to implement a sweeping overhaul of its indirect tax structure, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has issued a direct appeal to domestic industries: ensure that the full benefits of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms are passed on to consumers. Speaking at a Make in India event on September 20, 2025, Goyal emphasized that the reforms are designed not only to simplify compliance but also to make goods more affordable for the public.

 

The GST Council’s decision to streamline the tax structure into two primary slabs—5 percent and 18 percent—alongside a 40 percent rate for luxury and sin goods, is expected to reduce prices across a wide range of products. From soaps and household essentials to small cars and consumer durables, the reforms aim to inject transparency and efficiency into India’s consumption economy.

 

Key Highlights From The Minister’s Address

 

- GST rate rationalisation takes effect from September 22, 2025  

- Revised structure includes two main slabs: 5 percent and 18 percent, plus 40 percent for luxury items  

- Piyush Goyal urges industries to pass on full benefits to consumers  

- Government introduces new logistics policy and industrial city development plans  

- Retailers and dealerships must display pre- and post-GST prices for transparency  

- Consumer durables expected to drop by 10 percent, automobiles by 12 to 15 percent  

 

Simplified Tax Structure, Broader Impact

 

The GST Council’s reform package is one of the most significant changes since the tax’s introduction in 2017. By reducing the number of slabs and rationalising rates, the government aims to:

 

- Lower the cost of compliance for businesses  

- Improve tax predictability and reduce classification disputes  

- Encourage consumption by making goods more affordable  

- Enhance transparency in pricing and billing  

 

The reforms are expected to benefit both consumers and manufacturers, with reduced tax burdens translating into lower retail prices and potentially higher sales volumes.

 

Industry’s Role In Ensuring Consumer Benefit

 

Goyal’s message to industry leaders was clear: the success of GST 2.0 depends on how effectively businesses transfer the benefits to end-users. He noted that certain sectors, such as automobiles, have already begun adjusting prices in anticipation of the new rates. However, he cautioned against selective implementation and urged all sectors to adopt a consumer-first approach.

 

To facilitate this, the government has directed businesses to:

 

- Display comparative price lists showing pre- and post-GST rates  

- Upload revised pricing data to the GST portal for public access  

- Train retail staff to explain price changes to customers  

- Coordinate with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for smooth rollout  

 

Ease Of Doing Business And Trade Expansion

 

Beyond tax reforms, Goyal highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving India’s business environment. These include:

 

- A new logistics policy to streamline supply chains and reduce costs  

- Development of new industrial cities with integrated infrastructure  

- Decriminalisation of minor business offences to reduce legal risk  

- Reduction in compliance burdens for small and medium enterprises  

 

These measures are part of a broader mission to position India as a global manufacturing hub and attract foreign investment through free trade agreements and bilateral partnerships.

 

Consumer Expectations And Market Response

 

With the festive season approaching, consumers are expected to benefit from immediate price reductions on key goods. Retailers are preparing for increased footfall, and manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains to meet demand under the new tax regime.

 

The reforms also signal a shift toward greater accountability in pricing. By mandating transparent price displays and digital tracking, the government aims to empower consumers and curb profiteering.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As GST 2.0 rolls out, the spotlight will remain on how effectively industries respond to the minister’s call. The reforms offer a rare opportunity to align fiscal policy with consumer welfare, and the coming weeks will reveal whether businesses rise to the occasion.

 

Sources: NDTV, Economic Times, DD India.