Starbucks found guilty of not passing GST cut benefits to consumers

Starbucks found guilty of not passing GST cut benefits to consumers

Investigation by the Director General of Anti-Profiteering (DGAP) showed that the company profiteered a total of over Rs 1.04 crore as it did not pass on the benefits of GST being lowered from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, starting November 15, 2017.

PTIUpdated: Friday, November 06, 2020, 11:37 PM IST
article-image
PIC: wikimedia

The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) has found Starbucks guilty of profiteering as it did not transfer the benefits of lower GST rates to the consumers.

Investigation by the Director General of Anti-Profiteering (DGAP) showed that the company profiteered a total of over Rs 1.04 crore as it did not pass on the benefits of GST being lowered from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, starting November 15, 2017.

The amount was profiteered during November 15, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

The NAA has directed the company to pass on the benefits of tax cut to the customers.

"The respondent is also directed to deposit the profiteered amount mentioned along with the interest to be calculated at 18 per cent from the date from which the above amount was collected by him from the recipients till the above amount is deposited," the NAA order said.

The amount has to be deposited within three weeks of the order with the Consumer Welfare Funds of the Central and the concerned state governments where the profiteering took place.

As per the complaint, based on which the investigation was done, the coffee chain increased the price of its 'short cappuccino' from Rs 155 to Rs 170, when the GST rate reduction came into effect.

RECENT STORIES

Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo As Non-Executive Director 3 Weeks After Resigning As G20 Sherpa

Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo As Non-Executive Director 3 Weeks After Resigning As G20 Sherpa

Flyers With Credit Cards Can Now Access Adani Airport Lounges Without Extra Registration

Flyers With Credit Cards Can Now Access Adani Airport Lounges Without Extra Registration

Gold Jumps ₹450 To ₹99,620/10 Grams; Silver Rallies ₹1,000

Gold Jumps ₹450 To ₹99,620/10 Grams; Silver Rallies ₹1,000

Tech Layoffs in 2025: Microsoft, Google, Intel, Infosys Reduce Workforce

Tech Layoffs in 2025: Microsoft, Google, Intel, Infosys Reduce Workforce

India May Be Subject To Lower US Tariffs Compared To APAC Nations: Moody's

India May Be Subject To Lower US Tariffs Compared To APAC Nations: Moody's