NEW DELHI : The Russia-Ukraine war and the sharp escalation in oil prices may have hobbled India’s plans to merge the goods and services tax (GST) slab rates and make the indirect tax system simpler with just three broad rates, according to three state finance ministers.

The ministers, who are part of the GST Council, said that the merger of the rates may be put on the back-burner, considering its implication on inflation. They added the GST Council would evaluate the situation and decide on the timing of the reform. The group of ministers (GoM) tasked with the rate rationalization exercise has met twice so far and has not made much progress with its recommendations.

West Bengal minister of state for finance Chandrima Bhattacharya, who is part of the GoM, said that the panel was expected to meet on 27 November, but the meeting was deferred. “We have not made much progress with respect to making recommendations. The new dates for the GoM meeting are yet to be communicated," Bhattacharya said.