Cigarette prices have risen sharply across India following the implementation of additional excise duty on tobacco products and a new tax structure effective February 1, pushing up retail prices across popular brands and categories.
With significant increases across popular brands, smokers are wondering how much more they will have to pay per pack now. (AP file photo)Distributors say, cigarette packs are at least more expensive now ₹22 to 25 for 10-stick packets, with premium and long-length cigarettes showing higher heights depending on size and brand. While manufacturers are yet to officially notify the revised maximum retail prices (MRPs), wholesalers have already started billing retailers under the new tax regime, news agency PTI reported.
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Wills Navy CutAccording to trade estimates, medium-sized cigarettes such as the Wills Navy Cut (76mm), which were previously sold ₹95 for a pack of 10, expected to retail soon ₹120 per pack. A premium cigarette of the same length can be priced within ₹50 and ₹55 per pack of 10 sticks more than before.
Wills Classic, Gold FlakeLong cigarettes in the 84 mm category, including popular brands like Gold Flake Lights, Wills Classic and Wills Classic Milds, are expected to see a sharp jump in prices. These packs, previously priced at approx ₹170 for 10 sticks, is now expected to retail in its range ₹From 220 ₹225, the report said.
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Classic connectionSlim cigarettes were not spared either. Classic Connect (97 mm), priced earlier ₹300 for a pack of 20 sticks, expected to carry a new MRP of approx. ₹350, according to distributors.
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Under the revised tax regime, small non-filter cigarettes (up to 65 mm) will attract additional duty of approx. ₹2.05 per stick, small filter cigarettes of the same length will be charged around ₹2.10 per stick. Cigarettes of medium length (65-70 mm) will face additional duty ₹From 3.6 ₹4 per stick, and almost long premium cigarettes (70-75 mm). ₹5.4 per stick. a high responsibility ₹8.50 per stick is applicable only for non-standard or unusual cigarette designs, the report noted.
(with input from PTI)
