It turned out to be a strong end to the first half of the year, with GST collections jumping 14.7% to over Rs 2 lakh crore in Sept, amid double-digit growth in dispatches by the country's top automakers. Other indicators also pointed to continuation of economic momentum despite a turbulent global situation, which is putting pressure on cost. Official data showed that the GST growth in Sept, based on transactions in Aug, was powered by a 26% jump in integrated GST on imported goods to Rs 65,525 crore as higher commodity prices and a weaker rupee drove up the import bill. Domestic collections remained strong, clocking double-digit growth to Rs 1,37,996 crore. Total refunds fell 3%, resulting in an 18% jump in net collections to Rs 1,76,520 crore.