India's GST collections jump 22.9% to Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October as import revenue surges 42%

India collected Rs 2,31,290 crore in gross goods and services tax in October 2026, up 22.9% from Rs 1,88,125 crore a year earlier, according to Finance Ministry data released on Sunday. Revenue from imports rose 42.2%, far outpacing the domestic growth of 15.8%.

After refunds, net revenue was about Rs 2.03 lakh crore, up about 26%. That makes it the fastest gross growth in more than four years.

The October numbers

Item	October 2026	October 2025	Change
Gross GST	Rs 2,31,290 crore	Rs 1,88,125 crore	+22.9%
Domestic revenue	Rs 1,59,044 crore	Rs 1,37,328 crore	+15.8%
Import revenue	Rs 72,246 crore	Rs 50,796 crore	+42.2%
Central GST	Rs 42,935 crore	Rs 36,547 crore	+17.5%
State GST	Rs 51,340 crore	Rs 45,134 crore	+13.8%
Integrated GST	Rs 1,37,015 crore	Rs 1,06,443 crore	+28.7%
Total refunds	Rs 27,934 crore	—	+6.5%
Net revenue	About Rs 2.03 lakh crore	—	About +26%

The percentage changes for central, state and integrated GST are GlobeHourly's calculations from the ministry's figures. Reports differ slightly on growth within the refund categories, so those are left out.

Why imports are doing the heavy lifting

A 42% jump in import-linked tax is unusual, and it is the main reason the headline figure looks so strong. Import GST is charged on the rupee value of goods landing at Indian ports, so it rises when goods cost more in rupees as well as when more goods arrive.

This has been a year of expensive energy and shipping, with the war around Iran and the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Higher prices for imported goods feed directly into this line, so part of the gain is likely to reflect costs paid by Indian firms and consumers rather than a stronger economy. The ministry's data does not separate price from volume, so the split is unknown.

Domestic collections, which reflect spending and business activity inside the country, are the cleaner signal. Growth of 15.8% is strong, and October also caught the run-up to the festive season, with Diwali falling on November 8 this year.

The year so far

Period	Gross GST	Growth
April to October 2026	Rs 14,77,569 crore	+13.2%
April to October 2025	Rs 13,05,213 crore	—

Cumulative central GST for the seven months is Rs 2,85,858 crore, state GST Rs 3,42,491 crore and integrated GST Rs 8,49,220 crore.

October is well above the year's average of about Rs 2.11 lakh crore a month, so one month should not be read as the new normal.

What it means for states, businesses and shoppers

For state governments, stronger collections mean a larger share of tax income at a time when many are stretched by welfare programmes and fuel costs. For the central government, it gives some cushion on the deficit, particularly if higher energy subsidies are needed later in the year.

For businesses and exporters, refunds are the line to watch. They rose only 6.5% to Rs 27,934 crore, much slower than collections. Shoppers will not see any change in rates from this data alone: rates are set by the GST Council, and the figures do not by themselves point to a change.

November's figures, which will capture Diwali sales in full, are usually published on the first day of the next month, so December 1 is the next date to watch.