From medicines to shoes: List of items cheaper and costlier in the budget 2026

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – The Finance Minister presented the General Budget for the year 2026-27 in Parliament today, which places youth power at the center of development. The budget places special focus on accelerating economic growth, creating employment, and expanding services.

However, the most important question for the general public is which everyday items will become cheaper after this budget, and which items will be affected by inflation. The tax changes made in the budget primarily relate to customs duty, excise duty, securities transaction tax (STT), and tax collected at source (TCS).

What became cheaper?

Cancer medicines: Custom duty has been abolished on 17 essential medicines for cancer patients, which may make treatment cheaper.

E-vehicles and green energy: Basic customs duty has been exempted on battery storage, solar glass, lithium-ion cells and green energy related equipment.

Overseas education and medical expenses: TCS on remittances for overseas education and medical treatment has been reduced to 2% from 5% earlier.

Overseas Tour Packages: TCS on overseas tour packages has also been reduced to 2%, making travelling abroad a little cheaper.

IT and cloud services: Foreign companies providing data centres and cloud services in India will get long-term tax relief, which could make digital services cheaper.

What could be expensive?

Stock Market Trading: STT (Security Transaction Tax) has been increased on futures and options, which will make trading a bit expensive.

Commodity and Metal Sector: Global pressure and tax changes on precious metals like gold and silver may impact prices.

Efforts to keep the budget deficit under control: The government has emphasized on fiscal discipline, hence some subsidies and exemptions may be limited in future.

Relief for the common people

Greater convenience for small taxpayers in filing and revising returns

Simplification of MAT, TDS and TCS rules

More support for MSMEs, startups and salaried individuals

Major spending on health, education, tourism and infrastructure