AHMEDABAD: On the eve of the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax GST ), small businesses were battling confusion and anxiety. Many businesspersons are clueless about running operations under the new tax regime. Industry bodies are making attempts to ensure that help and guidance is given to these businesses.“We have set up a GST help desk at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) and are representing the issues of specific industries to the government,” said Shailesh Patwari, the GCCI president. “Except for ceramics and textiles, the government has even considered lowering rates.”Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Grain Merchants Association observed a day’s bandh, joining the nationwide bandh called by grain merchants. “Around 80% of items are branded and will attract taxes, which was not the case earlier,” said Rajesh Dalal, the president of the Ahmedabad Grain Merchants Association. “Moreover, there is no clarity even on the billing aspect.”Textile traders are disappointed with the 5% tax and may go on an indefinite strike. The transport industry is feeling the pinch already. “Companies are not having any goods transported as there is a lot of confusion over the GST,” said Sanjay Chaudhary, the president of Baroda Road Transport Association. “We expect the situation to prevail for at least a week. So most trucks in our region will not be ferrying any goods. It will affect our business severely. The situation may improve once companies are able to figure out how the GST will apply to them.”