Budget 2026 brings relief on medicines and electronics but raises alcohol prices. Know how tax changes affect costs of everyday consumer goods.
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026–27, households across India closely track one key question: what becomes cheaper and what turns expensive. Beyond big-ticket reforms and fiscal numbers, changes in duties and taxes directly shape everyday spending.
Each year, the government tweaks customs and excise duties to support domestic production, curb excessive imports, and stimulate consumption. When duties fall, consumers usually benefit from lower prices. When they rise, costs move up almost immediately.
This year’s Budget once again redraws that price map, bringing relief on some essential and consumer goods while increasing the burden on select items.
The Budget delivers welcome relief in several sectors, especially healthcare, clean energy, and consumer electronics. Lower duties aim to make essential and growth-linked products more affordable.
One of the biggest positives comes for patients. The government has reduced duties on multiple life-saving medicines, offering much-needed relief to families facing high treatment costs.
Here are key items expected to become cheaper:
Lower prices on these products align with the government’s focus on healthcare access, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing.
Not everything brings good news. Alcohol prices are set to rise following tax changes announced in the Budget.
For consumers, this means higher prices at liquor stores, as increased duties usually pass directly to retail prices. The government often raises taxes on alcohol to boost revenue and discourage excessive consumption.
As implementation begins, actual price changes will depend on how quickly manufacturers and retailers pass on duty cuts or hikes. Shoppers may see gradual adjustments over the coming weeks.
