Archive · 17 Sep 2026
ITC Raises Classic Connect and Gold Flake Prices Again
ITC has made some cigarette packs more expensive again.
A pack of 20 Classic Connect cigarettes now costs Rs 428.
It used to cost Rs 390.
A pack of 10 Gold Flake Super Star cigarettes now costs Rs 89.
It used to cost Rs 79.
The increases followed new and higher taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Manufacturers are passing some of those extra costs to shoppers.
Some people online welcomed higher prices because they might discourage smoking.
Others said regular smokers may continue buying cigarettes despite the higher cost.
ITC Limited has increased prices for select Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star cigarette packs.
A 20-cigarette Classic Connect pack now costs Rs 428, up from Rs 390.
The Classic Connect increase is Rs 38, or 9.74%.
A 10-cigarette Gold Flake Super Star pack now costs Rs 89, up from Rs 79.
The hikes follow higher tobacco taxes effective February 1, including 40% GST and additional excise duty.
- Who
- ITC Limited increased prices for selected Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star cigarettes.
- What
- The price of a 20-cigarette Classic Connect pack rose from Rs 390 to Rs 428, while a 10-cigarette Gold Flake Super Star pack rose from Rs 79 to Rs 89.
- When
- The latest increases were reported in 2026; revised-price packets had begun reaching dealers, and higher taxes took effect from February 1.
- Where
- Packets with revised prices were reported to be reaching dealers; the report was datelined Mumbai.
- Why
- Cigarettes moved into the 40% GST bracket and a new additional excise duty took effect; manufacturers are passing part of the higher costs to consumers.
Higher Prices May Reduce Smoking
Higher Prices May Not Change Habits
Effect on tobacco consumption
Higher Prices May Reduce Smoking
Some online users welcomed the increases as a way to discourage tobacco consumption.
Higher Prices May Not Change Habits
Other users argued that regular smokers may continue buying cigarettes despite the higher prices.
Impact of the latest increase
Higher Prices May Reduce Smoking
Supporters view the added cost as a possible public-health benefit.
Higher Prices May Not Change Habits
Critics said the increase could instead add to smokers’ household budgets and daily spending without changing their habits.
- Company
- ITC Limited
- Classic Connect
- 20 cigarettes; price increased from Rs 390 to Rs 428
- Classic Connect increase
- Rs 38, or 9.74%
- Gold Flake Super Star
- 10 cigarettes; price increased from Rs 79 to Rs 89
- Gold Flake Super Star increase
- Rs 10, or 12.66%
- GST change
- Cigarettes and several other tobacco products moved to the 40% GST bracket from February 1
- Additional excise duty
- The duty ranges from Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length and whether they have filters
