Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for fiscal year 2026–27 on Sunday, 1 February, with a focus on capital expenditure and incentives for key sectors.
In her ninth consecutive budget speech, FM Sitharaman outlined three ‘kartavyas’ or duties to expedite the country's economic progress. The FM outlined several measures, ranging from a capex hike to high-speed rail corridors to regional medical hubs.
Ahead of the budget, the common man has been pinning hopes on policy measures and sector-specific incentives that can lead to price cuts across various items. Let's take a look at what has become cheaper or more expensive after the 2026 budget.
Regarding relief, the government has introduced measures in its budget proposals to lower prices for leather products, cancer medications, and seafood by extending policy support, enabling duty-free imports, and granting customs exemptions. The aim is to bolster domestic industries while reducing costs for patients and producers.
Meanwhile, the tax rates for chewing tobacco and jarda scented tobacco have been increased to 60%, and the TCS rate on alcohol for human consumption has risen from 2% to 1%.
Here's a complete list of what will get cheaper and costlier -
What gets cheaper after Budget 2026–27?
Check out the full list of products likely to see lower landed costs–
What gets expensive after Budget 2026–27?
Check out the list of items that have become expensive —
Note: The list is made out of the budget presented in Parliament, which is yet to be approved by both the Lower and Upper Houses.
