If you’re a Diet Coke fanatic, brace yourself — your favorite fizzy drink just got pricier. In a major tax reshuffle, the GST Council has decided to hike the rate on caffeinated and aerated beverages, including Diet Coke, from 28% to a steep 40% special GST.
From ₹40 to even higher
A Diet Coke that used to retail at around ₹40 MRP will now carry the burden of the higher 40% GST slab. That means every bottle or can you grab at the supermarket, multiplex, or your favorite café is about to make a bigger dent in your pocket. The new GST bracket is part of the council’s push to treat high-sugar and caffeinated drinks as “sin goods,” similar to tobacco and luxury items.
Coffee, soda lovers hit too
And it’s not just Diet Coke. Coffee fanatics might also feel the pinch as certain categories of caffeinated beverages fall under the same 40% GST slab. For millions who treat coffee or soda as an essential part of their day, this tax change could stir a lifestyle rethink.
Why the hike?
The government says the steep tax is aimed at discouraging consumption of unhealthy, sugar-loaded or caffeinated beverages, citing health concerns. At the same time, it also expects a revenue boost to the exchequer from this higher bracket.
So, the next time you pop open a Diet Coke, remember — it’s not just the fizz that stings, but also the new 40% GST bite.
