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Govt to cap trade margins at 30% of MRP on non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, cutting prices of 110 medicines
The government will cap trade margins at 30 per cent of MRP for all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, government sources said on 8 October 2026. The cap will lower prices of 110 drugs, including 35 patented medicines, and is expected to take effect later this month.
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Why it matters to operators and investors
A 30% of MRP trade margin cap on non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, cutting prices of 110 medicines, puts oncology margins at risk for pharmacy retailers and distributors, though the sources give no revenue estimate and confidence is moderate at 78.
What to watch next
- Publication of the official notification and the final list of 110 drugs, including its effective date
- Statements or legal challenges from chemist, distributor or pharma industry associations
- Revised MRP lists from manufacturers of the 35 patented medicines
- Reports of stock shortages or order delays for cancer drugs at retail and hospital pharmacies
- Any government statement on extending margin caps to other drug categories