‘Ideal time to quit smoking’: Netizens react as cigarette, pan masala prices jump with 40% GST

40% GST on cigarettes sparks meme fest across social media. (@byomkesbakshy/X)

Budget 2026 has brought major changes to the taxation of cigarettes, tobacco products, and pan masala, affecting millions of consumers across India. The move has also triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with users quickly turning the sudden price hikes into viral content.

From 1 February 2026, smokers and pan masala consumers are facing sharply higher prices after the government placed these products under the highest Goods and Services Tax (GST) slab of 40%. Additional excise duties and a Health and National Security Cess have also been introduced, adding to the overall cost.

Industry reports suggest that a cigarette pack previously costing around Rs 18 could now range between Rs 70 and Rs 72, depending on the brand and variant. Similar hikes are expected across other tobacco and pan masala products.

The price surge triggered an immediate response on social media. Memes, jokes, and sarcastic posts quickly went viral, capturing the public’s shock and disbelief. Posts highlighting the price increase began circulating widely.

Here's how the internet reacted:

Cigarette mahngi hone ke baad Smoking Chhodne ka ideal Time #Budget2026pic.twitter.com/FElKrU8Uk9

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) February 1, 2026

40% tax on Ciggerates after Budget Meanwhile chain smokers: pic.twitter.com/0CV7WhoII9 — Sigma Singh (@SigmaSingh07) February 1, 2026

Smokers after 40% GST on cigarette#Budget2026pic.twitter.com/vuMDq2DSWV

— H Kumar (@Trident2411) February 1, 2026

Now 40% GST on Cigarettes #Budget2026#NiramalSitharaman Before After Budget Budget pic.twitter.com/rewzOXzYzl — ROHIT MAURYA 🇮🇳 (@ROHITKumar325) February 1, 2026

Under the revised system, cigarettes, tobacco products, and pan masala now fall under the highest GST rate of 40%, up from the previous 28% slab. The compensation cess, which was introduced in 2017, has been removed. This new, multi-layered tax structure significantly increases the overall tax burden on manufacturers, who are expected to pass the cost directly to consumers.

As reported by, Times Now, cigarette taxation has also been made more detailed, with rates depending on length, filter type, and design.

• Short non-filter cigarettes (up to 65 mm): Rs 2.05 per stick
• Short filter cigarettes (up to 65 mm): Rs 2.10 per stick
• Medium-length cigarettes: Rs 3.6-4 per stick
• Long cigarettes: Rs 5.4 per stick
• Premium or non-standard designs: Up to Rs 8.50 per stick

Other products, such as chewing tobacco and gutkha, now attract excise duties of 82-91%, further increasing their retail prices.

Disclaimer: Cigarette smoking and consumption of tobacco products are injurious to health. This report is based on user-generated content shared on social media. Moneycontrol has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.