GST 2.0 Impact: Dove shampoo, Kissan jam, Horlicks among HUL products to get cheaper

Hindustan Unilever (HUL), India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, has announced price cuts across several of its key products, including Dove shampoo, Horlicks, Kissan Jam, Lifebuoy soap, and many more, effective September 22.

According to a company advertisement in newspapers, a 340 ml bottle of Dove shampoo will now cost Rs 435, down from Rs 490. Horlicks (200 gm) will be available at Rs 110 instead of Rs 130, while a 200 gm jar of Kissan Jam drops from Rs 90 to Rs 80. Even the popular pack of four 75 gm Lifebuoy soaps will be cheaper, priced at Rs 60, down from Rs 68. HUL said new stock reflecting the revised prices or slightly larger packs is gradually reaching stores.

The move comes after the government directed companies to announce price revisions through newspaper advertisements. However, consumers who purchase products in small sachets may face challenges, as updating price stickers on these tiny packs is tricky, and no official guidance has been issued yet.

Also Read: GST 2.0 Rate Cuts: From Tata, Mahindra, Toyota to Hyundai, a quick take on auto price reductions across segments

List of HUL products with revised prices:

1. Dove Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo (340 ml) – Rs 490 → Rs 435

2. Clinic Plus Strong and Long Shampoo (355 ml) – Rs 393 → Rs 340

3. Sunsilk Black Shine Shampoo (350 ml) – Rs 430 → Rs 370

4. Dove Serum Bad (75 g) – Rs 45 → Rs 40

5. Lifebuoy Soap (75g × 4) – Rs 68 → Rs 60

6. Lux Radiant Glow Soap (75g × 4) – Rs 96 → Rs 85

7. Closeup Toothpaste (150 g) – Rs 145 → Rs 129

8. Lakme 9 to 5 pm Compact (9g) – Rs 675 → Rs 599

9. Kissan Ketchup (850g) – Rs 100 → Rs 93

10. Horlicks Chocolate (200g) – Rs 130 → Rs 110

11. Horlicks Women's Plus (400g) – Rs 320 → Rs 284

12. Bru Coffee (75g) – Rs 300 → Rs 270

13. Knorr Tomato Soup (67g) – Rs 65 → Rs 55

14. Hellman's Real Mayonnaise (250g) – Rs 99 → Rs 90

15. Kissan Jam (200g) – Rs 90 → Rs 80

16. Boost (200g) – Rs 124 → Rs 110

GST 2.0 Brings major relief to consumers

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rolled out GST 2.0, which cuts taxes on everyday food items and consumer goods, and will come into effect from September 22, making daily essentials more affordable for households across India.

Under the new rules, UHT milk, paneer, pizza bread, rotis, and khakhras will have zero per cent GST, down from 5 per cent. Parathas and parottas, which were earlier taxed at 18 per cent, will now also be GST-free.

Other key items are now cheaper as well. Butter, ghee, and cheese will attract 5 per cent GST, down from 12 per cent. Condensed milk and packaged foods like jams, sauces, pickles, and fruit juices will also cost less. Dry fruits and nuts, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dates, will move from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. Biscuits, cakes, chocolates, cornflakes, soups, and ice cream will now be taxed at 5 per cent instead of 18 per cent.

Overall, GST 2.0 has reduced taxes on most essentials and popular consumer items. Many everyday products, appliances, and services will now be taxed at 5 per cent or 18 per cent, down from earlier rates of 12, 18, and 28 per cent.

Also Read: GST 2.0: From soaps to noodles, these items may ease your monthly household expenses

Categories benefiting from GST 2.0

• Personal Care and Daily Use: Hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, and shaving cream now attract 5 per cent GST, down from 12–18 per cent.
• Processed Foods and Dairy: Butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, namkeens, and packaged snacks are now at 5 per cent, previously 12–18 per cent.
• Baby Care and Home Needs: Feeding bottles, diapers, clinical napkins, and utensils now taxed at 5 per cent.
• Textiles and Footwear: GST on clothing and mass-market footwear reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent.
• Stationery: Notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, and erasers now taxed at 0–5 per cent.
• Healthcare and Insurance: Life-saving medicines, cancer drugs, and health/life insurance are either GST-free or moved to nil.
• Agriculture: Tractors, biopesticides, micro-nutrients, and irrigation equipment now fall under the 5 per cent bracket.
• Consumer Electronics and Appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, large-screen TVs, dishwashers, microwaves, mixers, grinders, and vacuum cleaners have moved from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, making them 8–10 per cent cheaper.
• Automobiles: Most cars (petrol and diesel hybrids under 1200/1500cc, less than 4000mm), motorcycles up to 350cc, three-wheelers, and auto parts are now taxed at 18 per cent instead of 28 per cent.