How Supermarkets Are Quietly Cheating You After GST Rate Cuts!

The Great GST Illusion

So, you thought the government’s GST rate cut meant your next grocery trip would cost less?

Cute. Really cute.

Every time the GST Council announces rate reductions—say from 12% to 5%—there’s collective cheer across WhatsApp groups. Everyone expects cheaper MRP, lighter bills, and more snacks for the same money.

But step into your favorite air-conditioned supermarket the next day, and surprise! Your bill looks exactly the same. Or worse—somehow higher.

Let’s peel the plastic wrap off this trick, shall we?

When Prices Fall... But Don’t

According to GST rules, whenever tax rates are revised downwards, businesses must pass on the benefit to customers by reducing prices proportionately. That means the moment Mogu Mogu’s GST drops from 12% to 5%, its MRP should drop too.

But here’s what happens in real life:

• The product you buy was manufactured before the GST cut.

• The supermarket claims it can still charge the old MRP because “that’s what’s printed on the label.”

• And you—hungry and late for office—pay it anyway.

Technically, it’s legal only until the manufacturer updates the packaging. But many retailers continue billing at old prices months after the change. Why? Because who’s checking?

The MRP Magic Show

Let’s do some quick math.

Suppose the MRP of your favorite drink is ₹70, printed when GST was 12%.

Now the rate drops to 5%.

If the benefit was passed on, the new MRP should be around ₹62.

But supermarkets continue charging ₹70—or worse, ₹72 after a “price revision.”

When confronted, the billing counter usually flashes that polite smile and says,

“Sir, this is the new batch, price has been updated by the company.”

Ah yes, the mysterious “new batch”—the corporate version of “dog ate my homework.”

The Silent Loot in Plain Sight

A 2023 report by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) showed that over 40% of inspected retailers didn’t pass on GST benefits to consumers. In one high-profile case, a multinational FMCG company had to refund over ₹200 crore for overcharging after GST reduction.

Yet, your neighborhood supermarket? They continue to get away with it because:

• Few people check their bills.

• Even fewer file complaints.

• And no one has time to decode GST mathematics after standing in line for 20 minutes.

Let’s be honest—how many of us even read the small print on our receipts?

“Buy One Get One” — or “Buy One, Pay Twice”?

Here’s another trick supermarkets love:

When GST drops, instead of reducing prices, they slap on offers like “Buy One Get One” or “20% Extra Free!”

So you think you’re getting more value—but the total spend remains unchanged.

In short, they keep the profit, and you keep the illusion.

Congratulations, you’ve just sponsored their next outlet opening.

The Blame Game Buffet

Ask the supermarket manager about it and you’ll hear:

“Sir, we only sell what’s printed on the label.”

Ask the manufacturer:

“We have already informed retailers to reduce prices.”

Ask the billing staff:

“System mein price yahi hai, sir.”

And the system? The system just laughs.

What Can You Do (Besides Crying at the Checkout Counter)?

Before you lose all hope in humanity and capitalism, here’s what you can actually do:

1. Check the manufacturing date.
   If the product was made after the GST reduction date but still has the old MRP—there’s your red flag.

2. Compare MRPs across stores.
   Online retailers often update prices faster than physical ones.

3. Demand a revised bill.
   Politely ask if the product is eligible for the new GST rate. Many supermarkets have a separate code for “post-GST” pricing.

4. File a complaint.
   The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (now merged with Competition Commission of India) takes complaints online.
   You can file it through www.cci.gov.in — it’s easier than you think.

5. Spread awareness.
   Next time your friend says “I got 10% off on everything,” ask: “Before or after GST change?”

The Bottom Line

Every rupee counts. Every fake “discount” adds up. And every time we ignore it, supermarkets learn that silence is profitable.

The next time you’re billed ₹70 for a drink that should cost ₹62, remember—it’s not just ₹8.

It’s your right to fair pricing.

And if that doesn’t convince you, think of it this way:

That ₹8 could’ve bought a healthy fruit or a vegetable for your lunch or dinner .

Final Thought: Don’t Just Shop—Spy

Supermarkets have mastered the art of silent inflation. It’s time customers master the art of silent observation.

Check, question, and call them out.

Because awareness isn’t just power anymore—it’s cashback.

Share this article with your friends and family.

Let’s make sure the next time someone says “GST rate reduced,” the only ones losing sleep are the supermarket managers, not the shoppers.

#GSTScam #SupermarketSecrets #ConsumerRights #CheckYourBill #TaxTricksters