Cigarette Prices May Rise to Rs 72: Smokers React, ‘Finally, We Will Be Able to Quit’

Cigarette smoking in India may soon get a lot more expensive. The government’s new Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes a sharp increase in excise duty on tobacco products to discourage consumption. Officials have revealed that a cigarette currently priced at Rs 18 could cost as much as Rs 72 under the new rates, marking a fourfold jump.

Social Media Buzz: Mixed Reactions

The announcement has triggered lively discussions on social media. While some welcomed the move as a step toward better public health, others responded with humor and concern.

A Reddit user shared a screenshot of the update and praised the decision, saying, “As a smoker myself, I like this decision. I hope this will decrease the number of smokers in India, especially the students and youngsters. I might be able to quit as well.”

Many accounts responded with sarcasm. Referring to Delhi’s poor air quality, one user wrote, “Mujhe kya, main toh Delhi ki hawa me jee leta hu, FREE FREE FREE,” implying that the city’s polluted air is already a bigger concern than cigarettes. Some predict a change in smoking trends, noting, “Ab sab ke haathon me vape dikhega.”

Others raised concerns about potential illegal sales. One comment read, “This is messed up! This would pave the way to a lot of fakes with unregulated health norms. Embrace more health issues.” Another user suggested, “There should be a complete ban on smoking and alcohol,” while one joked, “Time to buy cig stocks.”

Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The bill, introduced by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, was passed by the Rajya Sabha and returned to the Lok Sabha. It revises excise duties and cess on cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, chewing tobacco, zarda, and scented tobacco.

Steep Increase in Excise Duties

Currently, cigarettes attract duties between Rs 200 and Rs 735 per 1,000 sticks, depending on type and length. The amendment proposes a rise to Rs 2,700–11,000 per 1,000 sticks. Chewing tobacco duty jumps from 25% to 100%, hookah tobacco from 25% to 40%, and smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes from 60% to 325%.

While the government expects the hike to reduce smoking, particularly among students and young adults, experts warn it could also lead to a rise in illegal cigarette sales. Whether the move will successfully curb tobacco consumption or trigger unintended consequences remains to be seen.