GST rates cut: Cement to get cheaper by Rs 30-40 in Himachal, hotel rooms prices to come down

September 22, 2025

Due to the reduction in GST rates, consumers in Himachal Pradesh will experience relief on cement, hotel rooms, apple packing materials, agricultural equipment, and other products. The new rates will reduce the prices of many commodities, providing relief to the people of the hill state. Starting Monday, the price of a cement bag in Himachal will decrease by 30 to 40 rupees. Cement blocks will also become cheaper. This will also provide relief to the state’s tourism industry, already reeling from the disaster.

The reduction in GST rates will also reduce room prices in the state’s major tourist destinations, including Shimla and Manali. Agricultural equipment will also be available at lower prices. Due to increased transportation costs in the hilly regions, almost everything is more expensive than in the plains. In this context, the implementation of the new GST rates will bring relief to consumers by reducing the prices of many items. Iron rods were already subject to an 18 percent GST, so its prices will remain unchanged.

Since apple season is underway, the rates of cartons and trays will also decrease. They will be reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent. Manish Joshi, proprietor of Joshi Associates, Theog, said that the current price for a universal apple carton ranges from 54 to 61 rupees. One company’s rate per tray is 570 rupees. GST will be reduced by 7 percent. However, orchardist leader Harish Chauhan says this won’t make much of a difference, only a 1 percent difference.

Cement from which company will be cheaper?
In Bilaspur, ACC Gold cement, which was 480 rupees per bag, is now 440-445 rupees. ACC Suraksha cement, which was 425 rupees, is now 390-395 rupees. Bangar cement, which was 410 rupees, is now available at approximately 380 rupees. Ultratech cement, which was 425 rupees, is now available at 390 rupees per bag. ACC cement dealer Pawan, Bangar cement dealer Rohit, and Ultratech cement dealer Rakesh said that starting Monday, consumers will be able to get cement at lower prices.

Over 10,000 vehicles booked before Navratri, prices to drop
GST will make vehicles cheaper in Himachal Pradesh. Over 10,000 vehicles have been booked across the state ahead of Navratri. In the capital, Shimla, over 400 cars, including two-wheelers, had been booked by Sunday evening. Taradevi Goyal Motors alone claims 250 car bookings. The city has over 10 car showrooms, including two-wheelers. Over 123 two-wheeler and four-wheeler bookings have been made in Kangra. Over 150 vehicles have been booked in Sirmaur.