New Delhi, Feb. 22 -- Leading Indian companies selling electronic products from air-conditioners to fans and refrigerators had expected a major boost from the GST cuts in September. While a shorter festival season and longer winter due to La Nina effects were known in advance, some policy and external factors came out of the blue to play spoilsport. According to Bluestar managing director B. Thiagarajan, the December quarter was a quarter to forget. Mint explains what unfolded in the consumer durables sector during the quarter.

Consumer durables like smart TVs, smart refrigerators, air-conditioners and washing machines were moved to 18% GST from the earlier 28%. Mobile phones and laptops continued to be taxed at 18%, unchanged from earli...