India, Feb. 2 -- Cigarette prices have increased by at least Rs.22 to Rs.25 per pack of 10 sticks following the hike in excise duty in the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday.

Distributors said that premium cigarettes, 76 mm in length, will now cost between Rs.50 and Rs.55 per pack of 10 sticks, depending on their particular brand, news agency PTI reported.

Manufacturers have yet to issue declarations for the revised maximum retail price (MRP), but distributors have already begun billing retailers for old stock at new prices, at 40 per cent GST (goods and services tax).

While wholesale markets were closed on Sunday, distributors expect fresh stock with the new MRP to enter the market from Monday.

Distributors reportedly expect cigarette pa...