India, Sept. 30 -- The Centre has asked multiple authorities to prepare monthly price reports of 54 commonly used articles to see if manufacturers are passing on the benefits of reduced rates under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to consumers.

Field officials have to submit the first report on changes in average prices since the revamped GST took effect on Sept 22 by the end of the current month, according to a finance ministry document seen by HT. Such reports will have to be submitted every month for the next six months.

The price reports on 54 items will have details of the commodity, brand and maximum retail price. The list of items include toothpaste, shampoo, butter, television sets, glucometers, ketchup, and jams, cement and ice...