Budget 2026: What Got Cheaper and What Might Get Pricier? Full List of Relief Items

Published on: 01 Feb 2026 at 12:38 PM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Budget 2026: What Got Cheaper and What Might Get Pricier? Full List of Relief Items

New Delhi, February 1, 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth budget today, prioritizing the common man’s wallet with key relief measures. Here’s a breakdown of items and services set to become more affordable, plus what could see price hikes.

Items and Services Getting Cheaper
The government proposed tax cuts in health, technology, and sports to make these accessible:

Life-Saving Drugs for Serious Illnesses: Major relief in medicines—cancer and diabetes treatments will cost less, easing the financial burden on millions of patients.
Made-in-India Smartphones and Tablets: Boost to ‘Make in India’ with tax relief, making locally produced electronics more affordable.
Sports Equipment: Cheaper gear to encourage youth and athletes, bringing high-quality items within reach.
Textiles and Apparel: Tax incentives for the sector should stabilize clothing and related product prices.

What Could Get More Expensive?
Budgets often hike duties on imports or non-essentials:

Imported Luxury Goods: High-end foreign electronics and luxury items may rise in price.
Certain Imported Metals: Duties on some non-essential metals from abroad could push their costs up.

Key Takeaway
The budget emphasizes healthcare and domestic manufacturing. Cheaper medicines and mobiles will provide significant relief to middle-class families.