CHENNAI: Cigarette prices in India have been raised substantially, with some brands now costing up to Rs 8.50 per pack, said a Daily Thanthi report.
Earlier, cigarettes that once cost as little as Rs 2 are now priced much higher, reflecting a wide rise across different segments of cigarette brands. The new pricing applies to various categories including premium, regular, and economy segment cigarettes.
The increase comes after higher taxes and regulatory changes affecting the pricing of tobacco products.
Accordingly, an additional tax of Rs 2.05 has been imposed in cigarettes of length 65 mm, and additional tax of Rs 5.40 in cigarettes of length 70 - 75 mm.
Chewable tobacco, zardha has been levied with an excise duty of 82 per cent and gutka with 91 per cent.