Cigarette smoking may soon become significantly more expensive, as the government’s proposed new bill seeks to sharply raise excise duty to curb tobacco consumption. According to officials, a cigarette that currently costs around Rs 18 could see its price jump to as much as Rs 72. While the move has been welcomed by some as a strong public health measure, it has also triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms
A Reddit user posted a screenshot of the latest update about the potential price hike and appreciated the decision by the government. “As a smoker myself, I like this decision,” he wrote, “I hope this will decrease the number of smokers in India, especially the students and youngsters. I might be able to quit as well,” he added.
Social Media Reactions To Potential Cigarette Price Hike
As a smoker myself I like this decision
byu/sugii0 inTwentiesIndia
Many accounts responded to the news with humour and 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,” suggesting that smokers in the national capital are already accustomed to polluted air and that cigarettes would not make a significant difference.
Some predict a change in smoking trends, noting, “Ab sab ke haathon me vape dikhega.”
Some noted that while higher prices may encourage some smokers to quit or switch to alternatives like e-cigarettes, there is also a risk of increased illegal sales. An individual commented, “This is messed up! This would pave the way to a lot of fakes with unregulated health norms. Embrace more health issues.”
“There should be a complete ban on smoking and alcohol,” one person suggested.
“Time to buy cig stocks,” an account joked.
Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Parliament passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha approving the legislation and returning it to the Lok Sabha.
The bill, moved by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, aims to revise excise duties and cess on tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, chewing tobacco, zarda, and scented tobacco.
New Excise Duty On Cigarettes
Under the current Central Excise Act, 1944, cigarettes attract a duty ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 735 per 1,000 sticks, depending on length and type. The new amendment proposes a steep increase, with duties rising to Rs 2,700-11,000 per 1,000 cigarettes.
Chewing tobacco duty will rise from 25% to 100%, hookah tobacco from 25% to 40%, while smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes are set to see a sharp increase from 60% to 325%.