Bhubaneswar, Jan. 31 -- With the Union Budget set to be presented on February 1, speculation and expectations are running high across the country, especially among common consumers. A key question on everyone's mind is whether the upcoming budget will bring relief from rising prices and make daily essentials more affordable.

With just a few hours left for the Budget presentation, the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, closely linked to household consumption has pinned high hopes on the Centre. Industry experts believe that measures aimed at reducing input costs and rationalising taxes could help lower prices of essential commodities, offering direct relief to consumers.

After the GST reforms introduced last year, expectations are...