Training By Himanshu

Tag: GST rate reduction

  • Alto K10 vs S-Presso: Which Budget Hatchback Reigns Supreme After GST Cut?

    In September 2025, the Indian government implemented a significant GST rate reduction, lowering the tax on small cars from 28% to 18%. This move has led to substantial price cuts across various car models, making them more affordable for consumers. Among the most notable beneficiaries are the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and S-Presso, both of which have seen their prices slashed, intensifying the competition in the budget hatchback segment.

    Price Comparison: Alto K10 vs S-Presso

    ModelEx-Showroom Price (₹)On-Road Price (Delhi) (₹)
    Alto K103,69,9004,30,000
    S-Presso3,49,9004,10,000

    Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on city and variant.

    Engine Specifications

    FeatureAlto K10S-Presso
    Engine Capacity1.0L Petrol1.0L Petrol
    Power Output67.1 hp67.1 hp
    Torque89 Nm89 Nm
    Transmission5-Speed Manual / AMT5-Speed Manual / AMT
    Fuel Efficiency~24.90 km/l~25.30 km/l

    Both models offer similar engine specifications, ensuring comparable performance and fuel efficiency.

    Interior & Features

    FeatureAlto K10S-Presso
    Seating Capacity55
    Infotainment7-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay7-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
    Climate ControlManual ACManual AC
    Safety FeaturesDual Airbags, ABS with EBDDual Airbags, ABS with EBD
    Boot Space214 liters270 liters

    The S-Presso offers a more spacious boot, while both cars are equipped with similar infotainment and safety features.

    Design & Dimensions

    DimensionAlto K10S-Presso
    Length3445 mm3565 mm
    Width1490 mm1490 mm
    Height1475 mm1550 mm
    Wheelbase2360 mm2380 mm
    Ground Clearance160 mm180 mm

    The S-Presso’s SUV-inspired design offers higher ground clearance, making it more suitable for varied terrains.

    Driving Experience

    • Alto K10: Known for its nimble handling and compact size, the Alto K10 is ideal for city driving and tight parking spaces. Its lightweight design contributes to its agility and ease of maneuverability.
    • S-Presso: The S-Presso’s higher ground clearance and SUV-like stance provide a commanding view of the road. Its robust suspension system ensures a comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces.

    On-Road Prices in Major Cities

    CityAlto K10 (₹)S-Presso (₹)
    Delhi4,30,0004,10,000
    Mumbai4,50,0004,30,000
    Bengaluru4,40,0004,20,000
    Chennai4,35,0004,15,000
    Kolkata4,32,0004,12,000

    On-road prices include registration, insurance, and other charges.

    Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

    • Choose the Alto K10 if:
      • You prefer a compact hatchback that’s easy to maneuver in city traffic.
      • Fuel efficiency is a top priority.
      • You have a limited parking space.
    • Choose the S-Presso if:
      • You desire a more spacious interior and boot space.
      • An SUV-inspired design appeals to you.
      • You often drive on varied terrains.

    Conclusion

    Both the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and S-Presso offer excellent value for money in the budget hatchback segment. The recent GST rate cut has made these models even more affordable, providing consumers with more options to choose from. Your decision should be based on your personal preferences, driving habits, and requirements.

    Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of September 2025. Prices and specifications are subject to change, and it’s advisable to visit the official Maruti Suzuki website or contact authorized dealerships for the most up-to-date information. The author does not claim ownership of any images used in this article. All images are sourced from publicly available resources.

  • Amul Slashes Prices on 700+ Products After GST Cut: What’s Cheaper & How Much You Save

    Good news for dairy lovers and household shoppers: Amul has announced a sweeping price reduction across more than 700 of its products, thanks to recent changes in GST rates. From ghee, butter, cheese, ice-cream to frozen snacks and bakery items, many staples are becoming more affordable. The new prices take effect from September 22, 2025. In this article, we break down what changed, how much savings you can expect, and what this means for consumers and farmers alike.

    What Triggered the Price Cuts?

    • The Government has recently revised the GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates for many dairy and food items, lowering them to 5% or even nil in certain categories.
    • Amul’s parent body, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has said that they will pass the benefit of this GST rate reduction fully to consumers.
    • Because Amul operates under cooperative principles (owned by millions of farmers), the price cut aims to help both producers and consumers: lower prices for buyers, maintained viability for farmers, and possibly higher volume of sales.

    Key Reductions: What’s Cheaper & By How Much

    Here are some of the major product price revisions announced by Amul, effective from September 22, 2025:

    ProductOld PriceNew PriceSaving
    Butter (100g)~ ₹62~ ₹58~ ₹4
    Butter (500g)~ ₹305~ ₹285₹20
    Ghee (1 litre)~ ₹650~ ₹610₹40
    Ghee (5-litre tin)—~ ₹200 decrease—
    Processed Cheese Block (1 kg)~ ₹575~ ₹545₹30
    Frozen Paneer (200g)~ ₹99~ ₹95₹4
    UHT Milk (1 litre Taaza)~ ₹77~ ₹75~ ₹2
    UHT Milk (1 litre Gold)~ ₹83~ ₹80~ ₹3
    Bakery/Biscuits (Butter Cookies 200g)~ ₹75~ ₹65~ ₹10
    Frozen SnacksVarious packsReduced in range (e.g. small packs by a few rupees)–
    Ice-Cream & Premium ItemsPrice bands adjusted downward significantlyMany premium tubs, cups, flavours showing large absolute drops–

    Categories Affected

    Amul has reduced prices across a wide array of product categories, including:

    • Butter & Ghee
    • Cheese (blocks, cubes, processed)
    • Paneer
    • Ice-cream (regular & premium)
    • Bakery items & biscuits
    • Frozen snacks & dairy-based frozen foods
    • Condensed milk, malt-based drinks, peanut spreads
    • UHT milk & shelf-stable milk products

    Note: Products like fresh pouch milk were mostly not impacted, since those were already exempt or at zero GST before the reform.

    What It Means for Consumers

    • Immediate Relief: Households will feel savings on everyday dairy staples such as butter, ghee, paneer. Small savings (₹2-₹40) per item may seem modest but add up over repeated purchases.
    • More Choice at Lower Cost: Premium or specialty products like certain ice-cream flavours, chocolates, etc., are now more accessible due to reduced prices.
    • Increased Consumption: Lower prices may encourage more frequent consumption of dairy products by segments that previously considered them expensive.
    • Budget Stretching: For many families, especially in semi-urban/rural areas, savings can matter across multiple cooked meals, tea/milk usage, baking, etc.

    What It Means for Amul & Farmers

    • Volume may go up: With lower prices, more people may buy, increasing overall demand for Amul’s products.
    • Consumer confidence & loyalty: Passing on tax benefits reinforces trust between brand and buyers.
    • Support for farmers: Although prices paid to farmers are separate, Amul’s cooperative nature means stable demand helps farmers, though margins may vary depending on input costs.
    • Maintaining margin balance: Amul will need to manage production, logistics, and supply chain costs so that price cuts do not erode quality or financial sustainability.

    Possible Challenges & Caveats

    • While many staples are cheaper, not every product will have a large drop. Savings depend heavily on pack size, product type (premium vs basic), and location (transport/distribution cost differences).
    • Retailers/distributors need to adjust stock and pricing signage, which may have lag in remote locations.
    • Inflation in other input costs (like fuel, packaging, dairy feed) could offset some benefit if those costs rise in future.
    • Demand surge could strain supply in some product lines temporarily.

    Consumer Savings Snapshot

    Here are a few examples showing approximate cost savings one might enjoy:

    ScenarioItems Bought MonthlyEstimated Monthly Saving
    Family buying 2 x 100g butter packs & 1 litre ghee2 × ₹4 savings + ₹40 = ₹48₹48
    Buying cheese block + frozen paneer weekly₹30 + ₹4 per week ≈ ₹136 monthly~ ₹136
    Ice-cream treats once a weekPremium tub reduction ~ ₹25 × 4 = ₹100₹100

    Over time, these savings accumulate, especially when multiple items in the grocery basket have been reduced.

    Why This Matters Broadly

    • The price reduction isn’t just a commercial move—it ties directly to policy (GST reforms). When tax policy lowers burdens on essential goods, societal welfare improves.
    • It shows the power of cooperatives in passing benefits transparently. Amul being a cooperative gives it moral and structural leverage to keep consumer interest central.
    • Could influence other brands/competitors to follow suit, increasing competition and affordability across the dairy & food sector.
    • Important ahead of seasonal demand peaks (festivals, holidays) when consumers tend to spend more; savings matter more then.

    Conclusion

    Amul’s announcement that over 700 of its products will be cheaper starting September 22, 2025, is welcome relief to millions of Indian households. With price cuts ranging from small rupee savings on daily essentials to larger drops on premium items, the benefits are tangible. As the cooperative passes on the full benefit of recent GST rate cuts, consumers are set to gain, demand may rise, and everyday affordability improves. While some challenges remain, this move underscores how policy change can directly translate into consumer welfare.

    Disclaimer:

    This article is for informational purposes only. Prices, savings, and product availability may vary by region, packaging, and retailer. Always check local stores for exact pricing. Economic conditions, supply chain factors, and input costs may affect future prices.