India's Logistics Sector Sees Pre-Festive Surge Amid GST Rate Cuts: Shriram Mobility Bulletin

India's logistics and mobility sector experienced heightened activity in September 2025, driven by preparations for the GST Bachat Utsav festival and government initiatives to reduce goods costs through lower GST rates.

Truck rental rates rose modestly across key transportation corridors during the month. The Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi route saw a 1.9 percent month-on-month increase, while the Bengaluru-Mumbai-Bengaluru and Mumbai-Chennai-Mumbai routes recorded increases of 1.5 percent and 1.2 percent respectively, according to the Shriram Mobility Bulletin.

The logistics sector experienced vehicle shortages during the final week of September as manufacturers and distributors accelerated shipments to retail markets ahead of the festival shopping season, which began on September 22. However, operations in eastern India faced disruptions due to heavy rainfall affecting West Bengal and National Highway 19.

Delhi's logistics operations may face additional challenges with a proposed ban on BS IV vehicles entering the capital from November 1, 2025. Industry observers anticipate this measure could increase freight costs in the region.

Vehicle retail sales demonstrated steady performance in September. Electric two-wheelers recorded a 2 percent month-on-month increase and a substantial 73 percent year-on-year growth. Electric three-wheelers showed particularly strong annual growth of 330 percent, reflecting continued adoption for commercial and last-mile transportation.

Fuel consumption patterns shifted during the month. Petrol sales declined 4 percent month-on-month, while diesel consumption increased 3 percent. Year-on-year comparisons showed petrol sales up 7.5 percent and diesel up 6.3 percent.

Y S Chakravarti, CEO and Managing Director of Shriram Finance Limited, noted that the combination of GST rate reductions, above-normal monsoon rainfall, a strong kharif harvest, and stable policy rates has strengthened purchasing power in both rural and urban markets.

FASTag transactions showed an 8.6 percent month-on-month decline in volumes to 349.25 million, with toll values decreasing 7.8 percent to 6,501 crores. However, annual comparisons remained positive, with volumes growing 10 percent and values increasing 16 percent year-on-year.

E-way bill generation, an indicator of goods movement across state borders, maintained robust annual growth despite modest monthly declines. Intra-state e-way bills increased 26 percent year-on-year, while inter-state bills rose 19 percent compared to the previous year.

The data reflects a logistics sector preparing for increased demand during the festive quarter, supported by government policy measures and improved economic conditions across multiple regions.