India: GST on coal raised to 18% but tax burden stable

The GST Council raised the tax rate on coal from 5% to 18% while removing the INR 400/t compensation cess. This shift keeps the overall tax burden broadly unchanged, as the higher GST compensates for the cess removal. The move is part of the “GST 2.0” reforms aimed at simplifying India’s tax structure and rationalising slabs.