As air pollution returns to Delhi with the onset of winter, residents are raising concerns about the high cost of air purifiers and other products used to reduce exposure to polluted air. Delhi’s air quality has already entered the ‘very poor’ category, according to the supplied report, with the national capital preparing for another difficult pollution season. A survey conducted by LocalCircles, covering more than 51,000 respondents across 212 districts in India, found widespread dissatisfaction with the affordability of pollution-related products. Around 89% of respondents said the government had not done enough to make products used to cope with pollution affordable. Nearly 78% reportedly considered official measures inadequate. The survey also found that approximately 88% of air purifier users wanted the government to standardise replacement filters. Respondents said standardisation could improve availability and help reduce costs. The affordability debate has also drawn attention to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purification products. Despite observations from the Delhi High Court and recommendations from a Parliamentary Standing Committee to reduce GST on air purifiers and HEPA filters from 18% to 5%, the GST Fitment Committee reportedly retained the existing 18% rate. The issue highlights the challenges faced by households seeking to protect themselves from worsening air pollution, particularly when purification equipment and replacement components remain expensive. The survey findings reflect respondents’ views and do not independently establish the effectiveness of specific government measures. Further details about the survey methodology and GST decision would be needed to assess the findings fully.

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