New GST rates have come into effect from this morning (July 18). Consumers will now have to pay increased GST on pre-packed labelled food items. There will be a rise in the daily essential items too because the GST rates on certain items have also been hiked. Hotel rooms, bank services will get costlier too with the new GST rates coming into effect from today. The GST rates on electronic vehicles has been slashed by 5 per cent

The decision was taken by the GST Council - the highest decision-making body on the levy of goods and services tax, headed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman and comprising representatives of all states and UTs.