{
  "id": 8075345,
  "title": "Retailers oppose UPI MDR above Rs 2,000",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/retailers-oppose-upi-mdr-above-rs-2-000",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T18:25:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/retailers-push-back-against-proposed-0-4-mdr-on-upi-transactions-above-rs-2000-warn-of-hit-to-thin-margins/articleshow/134319775.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Retailers across India are protesting a proposed 0.4% merchant discount rate (MDR) on unified payments interface (UPI) transactions exceeding ₹2,000, arguing it will harm their already thin profit margins. The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) sent a letter to the finance ministry, citing a 40% drop in business volumes due to higher handset prices. Mainline mobile retailers typically have net margins between 0.75% and 1.50%. The resistance stems from the Center's decision to impose the MDR on P2M UPI transactions above ₹2,000, with a cap of ₹300 for payments of ₹75,000 or more. Transactions under ₹2,000 and those from small merchants earning up to ₹1 lakh a month through UPI QR codes will remain exempt. The South Indian Organised Retailers Association (ORA), representing over 5,500 large electronics and mobile phone retailers, estimates 20% of its ₹26,400 crore annual sales come from UPI transactions. The FMCG general trade industry body also plans to submit a representation, expressing concern that the MDR will significantly impact their net margins of 1.5-2%.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Retailers protest UPI MDR above ₹2,000, citing thin profit margins.",
    "AIMRA reports 40% drop in business volumes due to higher handset prices.",
    "ORA estimates 20% of ₹26,400 crore annual sales come from UPI transactions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}