HUL says around 40% of company's portfolio benefits from GST revision

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Friday issued an update on its operating context ahead of its Q2 FY’26 results, scheduled for release on 23 October.

The company said the recent GST reforms announced by the Government are a “positive step to drive consumption,” as revised rates have lowered GST on nearly 40% of HUL’s portfolio — including soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, hair oils, talcum powder, lifestyle nutrition, and other food products — from 12% or 18% to just 5%.

HUL said in a statement that it has already begun passing on these benefits to consumers through price reductions and value enhancements across its product range from 22 September. The reforms, it added, are expected to boost disposable income and drive long-term demand across categories.

However, the transition has caused a short-term disruption at the distributor and retailer level, as trade partners work to clear old inventories before stocking new products with updated prices. This has temporarily dampened orders across channels, with consumers also deferring pantry purchases in anticipation of lower prices.