Cigarettes Gets Much Costlier: Rs 18 Cigarettes May Now Reach Rs 70–72 Following Government’s Tough New Tax Structure on Sin Goods - The Sunday Guardian

On February 1, 2026, the government implemented a major change in the taxation of cigarettes, tobacco products, and pan masala. Under the new system, an additional excise duty and a health and national security cess now apply on these products, on top of the existing GST. This move aims to tighten regulation and discourage consumption of harmful products, while also boosting public health and reve…