GST grew 14.8%. The part India paid at home grew 3.4%.

"GST up 14.8%" is easy to read as shoppers spending freely. The domestic net figure is far quieter. Part of that is likely by design: since 22 Sep 2025 most goods sit in a 5% or 18% slab, so this August is being compared with the last August at the old, higher rates. Less GST per rupee spent is partly your saving.

Refunds are where the action is. ₹31,795 crore went back to businesses in August — 67.9% more than a year ago — including ₹13,305 crore to exporters. If your model runs on input-tax credit or exports, refund cash is a working-capital line worth tracking month by month.

Don't plan off the national average. Domestic GST rose 19% in Uttar Pradesh and 15% in Gujarat but fell 7% in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. State GST reflects where tax is filed, not just where people buy — but a gap this wide is a signal to check regional demand before you split a target.