GST at 40%: Cigarettes turn into India’s costliest status marker - A2Z Taxcorp LLP

Once upon a time, conspicuous consumption meant driving a Lamborghini, wearing a Rolex, or ordering sparkling water imported from the tears of Icelandic glaciers. Now, thanks to India’s excise duty hike and a 40% GST rate effective since February 1, the true badge of wealth is… lighting up a cigarette. The dwindling, unhealthy tribe has suddenly ascended into high nworthy-hood. Each puff may still…