**National Consumer Helpline Receives Complaints on GST 2.0 Implementation; Major Grievances on Milk Pricing and Electronics**
New Delhi: As the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) addresses complaints related to the implementation of GST 2.0 by retailers and e-commerce platforms, the government reports that a significant portion of grievances concern milk pricing, followed by electronic goods, LPG, and petrol.
A large number of consumers approached the NCH believing that, following the GST reform, milk companies were required to reduce the prices of fresh milk. They complained that companies were still charging pre-reform prices, thereby denying consumers the benefits of the reduced GST rate. However, after a thorough examination, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) clarified that fresh milk is already exempt from GST. Additionally, the recent GST reforms have extended exemption to ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk as well.
Another prominent category of complaints involved electronic goods purchased through e-commerce websites. Consumers raised concerns that items such as laptops, refrigerators, washing machines, and other consumer durables were still being charged at pre-reform GST rates, and that the tax reduction benefits were not being passed on to them. The CCPA’s analysis revealed that the GST rate on TVs, monitors, dishwashing machines, and air conditioners was reduced from 28% to 18% under the GST reforms. Meanwhile, goods such as laptops, refrigerators, and washing machines have already been taxed at 18%.
A third set of grievances related to domestic LPG cylinders. Consumers reported that LPG prices had not decreased following the reforms. The CCPA clarified that the GST rate on domestic LPG remains unchanged at 5%, with no reductions applicable for household consumers.
Further complaints emerged regarding petrol prices, with many consumers alleging that petrol costs had not fallen after the reforms. The CCPA categorically clarified that petrol is outside the GST framework. “Consumers’ expectation of lower petrol prices reflects a misunderstanding of the scope of GST reforms, rather than any non-compliance by retailers or oil companies,” stated the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Since the rollout of the Next-Generation GST Reforms 2025, the NCH has received a total of 3,981 GST-related dockets, comprising 31% queries and 69% grievances. These grievances have been escalated to the pertinent brand owners and e-commerce entities for prompt resolution. Furthermore, the CCPA has initiated a detailed review of these complaints to consider class action suits where necessary.
Out of the total complaints, 1,992 GST-related grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for further action. Meanwhile, 761 grievances have been referred in real-time to the relevant companies for resolution.
The broad takeaway from this initial week of GST-related complaints is that consumers are actively engaging with the grievance redressal system. This engagement reflects growing consumer awareness and trust in the institutional mechanisms established by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except to the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/national-consumer-helpline-receives-gst-related-complaints-about-milk-pricing-electronic-goods-lpg-petrol
