Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Cigarette Prices May Rise to Rs 72
The Indian government is planning to make cigarettes much more expensive.
Right now, one cigarette costs about Rs 18, but it might soon cost Rs 72.
This is because the government wants to increase the taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Some smokers think this will help them quit, while others are joking that they might start using vapes instead.
People on social media have different opinions about this change.
Some think it's a good idea, while others are worried about fake or illegal cigarettes becoming more common.
The government passed a new law to make these changes, and it includes big increases in taxes for different types of tobacco products.
The Indian government proposes a significant increase in excise duties on tobacco products, including cigarettes.
The price of one cigarette may rise from Rs 18 to Rs 72.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament to revise excise duties and cess on tobacco products.
Social media reactions are mixed, with some supporting the decision and others predicting a shift to vapes or illegal sales.
Duties on chewing tobacco, hookah tobacco, and smoking mixtures are also set to increase sharply.
- Who
- Indian Government, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Smokers, Social Media Users
- What
- Proposed increase in excise duties and cess on tobacco products, including cigarettes
- When
- December 28, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To curb cigarette sales and potentially encourage quitting
- Current Cigarette Price
- Rs 18
- Proposed Cigarette Price
- Rs 72
- Bill Proposed By
- Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary
- Bill Name
- Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Current Cigarette Duty
- Rs 200–735 per 1,000 sticks
- Proposed Cigarette Duty
- Rs 2,700–11,000 per 1,000 sticks
- Chewing Tobacco Duty Increase
- 25% to 100%
- Hookah Tobacco Duty Increase
- 25% to 40%
- Smoking Mixtures Duty Increase
- 60% to 325%