Most retail jewellery showrooms in the city will remain shut on Friday to protest against the recent state budget move to increase the value added tax (VAT) on gold jewellery, and precious and semi precious stones from 1% to 2%.

The Jewellers Association Bengaluru will hold a protest march. The proposed increase in VAT will come into effect from April 1.

"Neighbouring states have 1% VAT. The increase in VAT will affect merchants, goldsmiths and customers.

We have requested the government for a roll back.

If they don't , we will go on an indefinite strike," said Pathi Mahesh, president of the association.

Prominent jewellers like Joyalukkas, Ganjam, C Krishniah Chetty & Sons and Rajesh Exports will join the protest. In the last fiscal , the trade in Karnataka contributed Rs 100 crore as VAT.