Budget 2026: Relief for the common man or a strain on the pocket? What is cheap, what is expensive, know in detail

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 in Parliament today. The entire nation was focused on this budget. There was curiosity about whether this budget would be a relief for the common citizens troubled by inflation or increase the economic burden further. Major announcements were made for various sectors in the budget speech, with some items becoming cheaper and some becoming more expensive.

What became cheaper?

After the finance minister's announcements, tax exemptions have been given on many daily and essential items. This will somewhat reduce the burden on citizens' pockets.

Sports-related equipment cheaper

To promote the sports sector, the tax on sports-related equipment has been reduced. This will make sports equipment cheaper, directly benefiting young people and athletes.

Diabetes and cancer medicines cheaper

In an important decision for the health sector, the prices of medicines for diabetes (sugar) and cancer have been reduced. With 17 cancer medicines and medicines for 7 serious diseases becoming cheaper, patients will receive significant relief.

Beedi is cheap, but cigarettes remain expensive

After the budget, the prices of beedi will decrease, but no relief has been given to cigarette smokers.

Leather products are cheaper

Customers will benefit as leather shoes, bags, and other leather products will become cheaper.

Mobile phones and EV batteries are cheaper

The prices of mobile phones and electric vehicle (EV) batteries will decrease. This is likely to increase the use of technology and eco-friendly vehicles.

Relief in domestic and energy sectors

Household electric appliances like microwave ovens, solar materials, clothes, and biogas mixed CNG will become cheaper. This will directly benefit middle-class families.

What became expensive after the budget?

Where some things became cheaper, in some cases citizens will have to spend more.

Alcohol is expensive

Due to increased excise duty, alcohol will become more expensive. This will put an additional burden on the pockets of drinkers.

Scrap and minerals are expensive

Increased duties on scrap and some minerals may affect the construction and industrial sectors.

Future option trading is expensive

More expenses will have to be incurred on future and option trading in the stock market, which may change the calculations of investors.