Srinagar, Mar 13: Cigarette prices in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to rise sharply following a significant increase in excise duties introduced by the Government of India from February 1, 2026.
The revised tax structure, which is applied in addition to the existing 40 percent GST, has triggered price revisions across major cigarette brands nationwide. Market sources said distributors across the country have already begun billing retailers at new tax-inclusive rates, leading to a noticeable rise in retail prices.
Regular-size filter-tip cigarettes have reportedly become costlier by Rs 20–Rs 30 per pack in several cities, with individual sticks now retailing at Rs 12 to Rs 15 in markets such as Delhi and Mumbai. King-size cigarette brands are also expected to see significant increases, with prices projected to reach Rs 24–Rs 25 per stick in some markets.
In Jammu and Kashmir, where RSFT cigarettes dominate branded consumption, the revised excise structure is likely to push up retail prices across most categories. Retailers said the full impact of the price revision may become visible in February and March as new stock with updated MRPs gradually reaches the market.
Experts also warn that higher taxes on legal cigarettes may encourage the sale of illicit and smuggled products, which are cheaper but often produced without regulatory oversight and may pose greater health risks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not promote or support smoking in any form. Smoking is injurious to health.
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