Amul has ruled out any reduction in the price of packaged pouch milk from September 22, clarifying that the product has always been exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST). The statement comes amid widespread reports suggesting a possible cut of ₹3 to ₹4 per litre following the government’s announcement of the new GST 2.0 framework.
Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul, said pouch milk prices remain unchanged as they continue to attract zero GST. “There is no change proposed in prices of fresh pouch milk. It has always been taxed at zero percent. Only long-life UHT milk will see a reduction due to the GST cut,” Mehta told ANI.
The relief will apply exclusively to UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk, which previously attracted 5 percent GST. From September 22, it will be fully exempt, making it cheaper for consumers. UHT milk, processed at temperatures above 135°C and packed aseptically, can be stored without refrigeration for several months, making it a convenient option for urban households and institutional buyers.
On September 3, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced sweeping tax reforms under the “Next-Gen GST Reform,” aimed at easing the cost of living and spurring economic growth. The 56th GST Council meeting rationalised tax slabs into two tiers—5 percent and 18 percent—by merging the existing 12 percent and 28 percent brackets. The government expects the move to significantly benefit households, farmers, businesses, and the healthcare sector.
For India’s largest dairy cooperative, the clarification is timely. With milk prices closely linked to household budgets and inflation debates, Amul’s statement underscores that while GST 2.0 will bring relief on select products, daily essentials like pouch milk will remain unaffected.
