Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached an all-time high of Rs 2.43 lakh crore in April 2026, marking an 8.7% year-on-year growth from Rs 2.23 lakh crore recorded in April 2025, according to data released by the Finance Ministry on Friday.
The record figure, up from Rs 2 lakh crore in March 2026, was driven mainly by a sharp rise in import-related GST revenue, which surged 25.8% to Rs 57,580 crore. Domestic consumption growth, however, showed signs of moderation, with domestic revenue rising just 4.3% to Rs 1.85 lakh crore.
After accounting for refunds, which jumped 19.3% to Rs 31,793 crore, the net GST revenue stood at Rs 2.11 lakh crore, up 7.3% from a year earlier.
The strong numbers suggest that business activity remains resilient despite global uncertainties, including concerns over oil prices and supply disruptions. Economists say the April data reflects underlying momentum in the economy at the start of the new financial year.
“This is a very positive signal for India’s tax base and formal economy,” said a senior finance ministry official, who requested anonymity. “The growth in import-linked GST shows that trade activity is robust, even as domestic demand cools slightly.”
Experts caution, however, that sustaining this trend will depend on continued consumer spending, stable inflation, and no major global supply shocks in the coming months.
April 2026 now stands as the highest monthly GST collection ever, surpassing the previous record of Rs 2.37 lakh crore set in April 2025. The government will closely watch May and June data to see whether this upward trajectory holds as the financial year progresses.
