Cigarette, Tobacco Prices Soar: New Rates Effective Today, Smokers Face Shocking Blow

• Cigarette, tobacco products, and pan masala prices increased significantly from February 1, 2026, due to new tax policies.
• The government replaced the 28% GST with a maximum 40% tax, plus excise duty and health/national security cess.
• A packet previously costing Rs. 18 could now rise to Rs. 70-72, with tax varying by cigarette length and filter type.
• Strict regulations for pan masala include tax based on MRP, mandatory registration, and CCTV cameras at packing machines to curb evasion.
• The total tax burden on pan masala has reached almost 88%, aiming to protect public health and fund national security/health sectors.

Why It Matters: New tax policies have drastically increased prices of cigarettes, tobacco, and pan masala from today.