Indian digital payment shares fell after reports said authorities are considering delaying the rollout of the UPI merchant discount rate from October 15 to January 1. According to Sina Finance, One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, fell as much as 9.9%, Pine Labs dropped 3.3%, One Mobikwik Systems declined 8.4%, and AvenuesAI fell 2.7%.

According to Business Standard, citing people familiar with the matter, a final decision is expected in the next few days. The report said the delay would allow merchants to continue using UPI payments for free throughout the festive season, and that a group led by the National Payments Corporation of India met on Wednesday to discuss the issue. NPCI did not respond to the media inquiry.