The article discusses the completion of GST 2.0 in India, the removal of the GST compensation cess, and the introduction of new excise rates on demerit goods such as cigarettes. It highlights how the excise notification could trigger a tax shock, affecting tobacco growers, small retailers, and the broader economy. Monthly GST collections in late 2025 remained robust, exceeding Rs 1.7–1.9 lakh crore.
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Economic Times · 11 days ago
The Supreme Court dismissed Uttar Pradesh’s attempt to levy a 21% state VAT on natural gas transported from Andhra Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh, ruling the transaction is an interstate sale governed by the Central Sales Tax Act. The decision upheld a 2012 Allahabad High Court judgment that quashed UP’s assessment orders against Reliance Industries, Tata Chemicals and IFFCO. The ruling confirms that gas transported through common pipelines remains an interstate sale even when co‑mingled.
Aviation Jeta · 11 days ago
The Delhi government has lowered the VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 25% to 7% for airlines operating in the capital. The reduced rate will apply for an initial six‑month period, providing relief to airlines and passengers amid rising fuel costs.
Republic World · 12 days ago
The Delhi government has reduced the VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 25% to 7% effective 16 May 2026. The change applies to airlines purchasing fuel at Delhi airports, providing significant cost savings for the aviation sector.
Frontline · about 2 months ago
India’s GST, launched in 2017, was intended to unify indirect taxes and balance fiscal power between the Union and States. However, successive rate cuts, the expiration of the compensation guarantee in 2022, and the 2025 three‑tier reform have eroded state revenue, deepening fiscal dependence on the Union.
A2Z Taxcorp · about 2 months ago
Vito Tanzi, former IMF Fiscal Affairs Director, has urged India to replace its multi‑rate GST slabs with a single uniform rate for all domestic consumption and to redistribute the entire revenue equally to every citizen via per‑capita digital transfers linked to Aadhaar accounts. The proposal was presented at an international conference on the socio‑economic impacts of GST organised by the Centre for Development Studies.
Pune Mirror · 2 months ago
India’s GST 2.0 reform, effective 22 September 2025, cut the GST on most small cars to 18% and on larger cars and SUVs to a flat 40%, boosting first‑time buyer shares for major manufacturers. The tax reset has lifted demand in the budget‑friendly segment, with Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors reporting higher first‑time buyer percentages.
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Key Takeaways
In 2025, as part of the completion of GST 2.0.
They consistently exceeded Rs 1.7–1.9 lakh crore.
Cigarettes, especially those made from Flue‑Cured Virginia tobacco.
FCV tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, small retailers, and cigarette manufacturers.
It could push legal cigarettes beyond affordability, increasing illicit trade and eroding market capitalisation of cigarette manufacturers.
Primary source
Read the full article at Times of IndiaThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 25 January 2026. It relates to VAT developments in India. The original source is Times of India.
