SPECIFICALLY ALTERING TAX HIKE ON CEERTAIN DAILY USE KITCHEN COMMODITIES :
COCONUT OIL : Majority of the oil is utilized in the Kitchen only. Then a bit for cosmetic purpose and a small % for medical. Even the other 2 used for cosmetic and medical purposes, the lower and Middle class use from the same pack that is used for cooking. Only Hotels & large Families buy 1 liter pack, the bigger packs of coconut oil is not very popular as the other oils, as it can’t be preserved for long after opening the pack. SO PACKINGS SMALLER THAN 1 LITER ARE USED WIDELY BY THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASS.
There are plans to increase the GST of coconut oil packets which is LESS THAN 1 LITTER FROM 5 PERCENT TO 18 PERCENT. In Kerala, smaller quantities, including packets of half liter, have higher demand among customers. When GST is hiked, they will have to pay huge price. Even in other states The popular packs are 500 ml and 200 ml only which are also used for cooking.
For cosmetic purposes smaller packs are available 50,100ml packings. These packings are totally different, packed in costlier, attractive containers, and it costs more per ml wise.
PROBABLY THE GST COUNCIL MEANT TO HIKE TAX FOR THIS CATEGORY OF COCONUT OIL THAT IS USED FOR COSMETIC PURPOSE. AND NOT FOR THE KITCHEN COCONUT OIL THAT IS PACKED IN LESS THAN 1 LITER ALSO.
Further the copra drying Industry is a cottage and household Industry in some states, where the women and the children in their free time are involved in augmenting the Family income.
HOPE THE DUEL TAXATION OF 5% & 18% WILL BE REVIEWED AND THE HIKE FOR SMALLER PACK OF KITCHEN USE COCONUT OIL WILL NOT BE HIKED. BUT LET THE COUNCIL SPECIFY THE GST INCREASE ONLY FOR THE COSMETIC USE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE PACK SIZE.
https://english.mathrubhumi.com/agriculture/agri-news/coconut-oil-price-likely-to-skyrocket-as-gst-for-small-quantity-packets-may-go-up-coconut-oil-price-1.6007072
Let not the consumer get a chance to use the Centuries old phrase ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL. more