Big changes likely in GST rates next week; these items can get expensive

Your grocery bill is likely to go up soon if the GST council decides to increase the current 5% tax rate on essential products and services to 6-8% at its meet on December 18. Key commodities such as tea, coffee, frozen vegetables and medicines, which fall in this tax slab, will get dearer burning a deep hole in common man's pocket. The all-powerful GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala…