Small shops increase prices post GST without bills

When Shilpa R, a citybased content writer, ordered water cans from the neighbourhood supplier, she had to pay a few rupees extra. 

“I usually pay Rs 35, but this time, I had to pay Rs 40. When I asked for reason, the delivery person casually stated that this was post-GST effect. I was at a loss to understand how such small businesses, which don’t even offer bills to customers, will be impacted by the GST. 

I think this is being used as a ploy to earn a few extra bucks,” said the 29-year-old. Similarly, many customers complain that chat shops, roadside eateries, which don’t provide bills, have also increased their prices. 

M Ravi, President of Chennai Hotels Association, said that small outlets like those serving food in pushcarts or hole-in-thewall structures, have no food safety and other licences. 

“They are the ones that can survive GST, since they don’t have to follow any regulations. For hotels, it is becoming tough, even as a normal restaurant is charging the same GST as a three-star hotel. Due to this, we have lost 30% of our clientele over the last week,” he said.