Significant tax hike in cigarettes after a brief period of stable tax: Government has announced significant increase in the tax rate on cigarettes in the range of 20-55% (depending on various sizes) after a brief period of stable tax environment over FY22-25. Revised Excise duty on the cigarette stands in the range of Rs2,100/1000 sticks to Rs8,500/1000 sticks depending on the size of the cigarettes. This will be over and above the GST rate hike to 40% from 28% on cigarettes. Tax hike on cigarettes and other tobacco products will be effective from 1st Feb, 2026 with end of...