From February 2026, cigarettes and tobacco products will attract additional excise duty and cess over and above the highest 40% GST slab, replacing the earlier regime of 28% GST plus compensation cess. The Central Excise Act has also been amended to impose a per-stick excise duty on cigarettes, with rates linked to cigarette length.

According to media reports, the cost of a pack of 10 cigarettes has increased by around Rs 22-Rs 25, while premium 76 mm cigarettes are expected to cost Rs 50-Rs 55 more per pack. Revised maximum retail prices are likely to take effect from February 2 as fresh stock with updated MRPs reaches wholesale markets.