New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Smokers woke up to sticker shock on Saturday as cigarettes and tobacco products became more expensive following fresh tax changes that came into force on 1 February. The price hike sparked an instant reaction online, with social media flooded with memes, jokes and sarcastic posts capturing public disbelief.

The government has imposed an additional excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco products, along with a health cess on pan masala. These levies come on top of the highest 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST), making so-called "sin goods" significantly pricier.

The new cess and excise duties replace the earlier tax structure of 28% GST plus a compensation cess that had been in place since the rollout of GST on 1 July 20...