CIGARETTE PRICES IN INDIA
Cigarettes to get costlier: ITC hikes Gold Flake Premium prices for the second time this year; here's how much a pack will now cost
ITC Ltd has raised the price of its Gold Flake Premium cigarettes by Rs 10 per pack, taking the MRP of a 10-cigarette pack to Rs 135 from Rs 125. This is the second price increase for the brand in 2026, following a hike in June. The revision comes as cigarette makers face higher taxes and pressure on legal market volumes, while ITC looks to expand its FMCG and other non-cigarette businesses.
Stocks in news: Tata Power, Cupid, Garden Reach, ITC, Aurobindo Pharma and Vodafone Idea
Indian benchmark indices have extended their winning streak, closing positively after the Muhurat trading session. Key stocks such as life insurance companies and Tata Power reported notable quarterly earnings results. HDFC Life and LIC showed healthy premium growth, while Tata Power recorded a record profit in Q2 FY27. Other companies like Cupid and Mishra Dhatu Nigam also reported impressive profit increases during the quarter.
Q2 Earnings Scorecard: Which sectors outperformed and which fell behind?
The September quarter results indicate strong revenue and profit growth in sectors like automobiles and banking. In contrast, sectors such as IT and pharmaceuticals showed weakness amid inflationary pressures. Automobile sector leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Bajaj Auto reported significant growth in sales and exports. L&T's orders surged, while the cement sector faced challenges with fluctuating prices.
Godfrey Phillips Q2 profit down 37% to Rs 190 cr; revenue up twofold at Rs 4,198 cr
Godfrey Phillips India Ltd reported a significant 37.73 percent decrease in net profit for the September quarter, primarily driven by a substantial tax increase from the previous fiscal year. Despite this, the company's total consolidated income surged to Rs 8,139.64 crore during the first half of FY27. To counteract the volumetric impact from rising taxes, a tactical pricing strategy was implemented.
Digital brands, premium FMCG to drive ITC's growth ambitions
Amid challenges in its cigarettes business, ITC is focusing on expanding its non-cigarette offerings. The FMCG segment has shown significant growth, leading to an improved product mix and margins. Digital-first brands such as Yoga Bar and Prasuma have also reported strong revenue increases. The paperboard and agri businesses are benefiting from rising demand and exports of value-added products.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
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Stocks in news: ITC, Marico, SBI, Yatra Online, NSE, Container Corp and Sun Pharma
Indian equity benchmarks experienced gains, with Nifty nearing the 23,500 resistance level and strong corporate earnings reported. ITC faced a decline in consolidated net profit, impacted by the cigarette business, despite revenue growth. Marico saw a significant rise in net profit and expanding EBITDA margins during the quarter. Container Corporation of India reported a subdued performance with a slight decline in net profit compared to last year.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio, Organon deal to drive growth
Sun Pharmaceutical achieved notable revenue growth in the September quarter, driven by strong performance in India and specialty medicines. The company anticipates medium-term growth from therapies like Ilumya and ongoing innovative projects. Although profitability was affected by acquisition and litigation costs, the domestic market share increased to 8.6% from last year. R&D investments are expected to rise in the second half of FY27 as development accelerates.
ITC, RIL, HDFC Bank among top laggards as Nifty falls over 12% in 2026: Time to buy beaten-down stocks or wait for a recovery?
In 2026, the Nifty 50 index faced significant drops, with 34 out of 50 stocks plummeting by as much as 34%. Analysts believe that the sell-off is driven by foreign institutional investor exits and a conservative outlook on earnings. This decline presents potential opportunities for long-term investors as valuations dip below historical norms.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%, according to analysts
At this juncture, what companies say about their Q2 results, and their outlook for Q3 and Q4, matters a great deal – but only to a certain extent. A company can plan only for what is in its control. No management can predict what the US President will decide, or which way the trouble in the Gulf will turn next.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
A piece of advice for those who still have the stomach to invest in the current volatile market. Don’t take any price action as the gospel truth; look beyond the index movements. And, finally, be both cautious and selective in your stock picks.
Rs 9,395 crore block deal! GQG exits ITC shares after a sharp 30% crash this year
ITC witnessed a nearly Rs 9,437 crore block deal as a GQG-linked fund sold 36.51 crore shares, while Fidelity and major Indian mutual funds bought stakes. The transaction comes as ITC shares remain under pressure from taxation concerns and weak volume recovery.
ITC shares slide 3% on block deal buzz; FMCG giant down 29% in 2026
ITC shares witnessed a drop on Thursday amid reports of likely block deals, with nearly 39 crore shares changing hands across the NSE and BSE. The identities of the buyers and sellers involved in the reported transactions were not immediately known.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25% according to analysts
The coming earnings season will reflect the impact of the bad monsoon, higher oil prices, and, in pockets, higher inflation. Given that, in terms of valuation, stocks are still not cheap, the risk to the market stays high. But that is in the short term. But then who said investing is only about the short term?
Only 80s kids will remember these school treats: Foods that cost less than Rs 5 in 1980s & made ordinary afternoons feel like a celebration
80s nostalgic foods: The 1980s had a special kind of school-time indulgence, when a few coins were enough to buy treats such as Phantom cigarettes, Poppins, paan-flavoured toffees, Pepsi cola ice tubes and cream rolls. These inexpensive snacks were more than just food, they were part of everyday childhood rituals that turned an ordinary school day into a memorable one.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 22%, according to analysts
Rising crude-oil prices are an obvious concern. But domestic factors like FPI selling, market repricing in select sectors, and the impact of supply chain disruption on margins may also be beginning to impact sentiment. But there is another thing that needs to be watched carefully: Will the world see some unwinding of AI-related trades? If yes, what does it mean for the Indian market?
Largecap safety trade? 8 Nifty stocks test investor patience with losses for two years
Over the past two years, eight Nifty stocks have experienced declines, with notable IT giants like TCS and Infosys pressured by shifts in client spending patterns. Additionally, Tata Motors faced a dip due to difficulties at Jaguar Land Rover, while valuation worries plagued Trent, alongside ITC's tax complications. Nevertheless, a faction of fund managers remains optimistic about large-cap stocks, indicating a mixed outlook for investors.
EBay probes how banned gender-test kits were available in India, listings removed
EBay has launched an internal review of its safeguards after Reuters found gender-prediction kits being offered for delivery to India, where prenatal sex determination is illegal. The marketplace removed nine listings, including SneakPeek and Peekaboo products. The findings come as Indian authorities also seek Google action against search results promoting gender-prediction tests.
GST at 40%: Cigarettes turn into India’s costliest status marker
Smoking is now a sign of wealth in India. Higher taxes make cigarettes expensive. This makes lighting up a cigarette a display of disposable income. The habit is becoming an elite club. Forbes may soon list top smokers by net burn rate. Wealth is now measured in cigarette cartons.
Cigarette prices jump as new excise regime kicks in, stoking smuggling fears
Cigarette prices have significantly increased following a new excise duty. This tax hike, the first in seven years, aims to align India's tobacco taxation with global health standards. Distributors report substantial price jumps on various cigarette types. The government is shifting to a 40% GST rate and will introduce additional excise duties from 2026.
Smoking will burn a bigger hole in your pocket now as govt imposes new excise duty on tobacco
Cigarette prices in India are set to rise by up to 20% from February due to a sharp increase in excise duty, hitting premium large sticks the hardest. Entry-level cigarettes priced at ₹10-₹20 may disappear, affecting sales volumes for the next two to three quarters. The Tobacco Institute of India warned the hike would hurt over 40 million farmers, MSMEs, retailers, and local supply chains, while boosting illicit trade.
Tobacco Institute of India urges Centre to reconsider cigarette tax hike
The Tobacco Institute of India warns that a significant excise duty hike on cigarettes will harm farmers, MSMEs, and retailers, while boosting the illicit trade. The new tax, effective February 1, adds to the GST, potentially increasing prices for 100 million smokers and mirroring Australia's "exploding black market" experience. The TII urges a review of the severe tax increase.
Classic, Gold Flake or Marlboro: How your cigarette bills may get costlier from February 1
From February 1, 2026, cigarettes will cost more -- and it’s not just the brand that matters. Short sticks see smaller hikes, but king-size and premium variants, including Ice Burst, could get ₹5–5.5 pricier per cigarette. GST still applies, but the new excise duty makes size the real driver: bigger sticks, bigger tax, bigger hit to your wallet.
Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Govt tables bill for new levies on cigarettes, pan masala and gutkha
FM Sitharaman introduces Health Security National Cess Bill 2025 to replace GST compensation cess on tobacco products, including cigarettes, pan masala, and gutkha, while amending the Central Excise Act to maintain or raise tobacco duties. The move aims to fund national security and public health.
Smoking kills 1.35 million Indians annually
Tobacco kills 1.35 million Indians annually, yet quit rates remain low at just 7%. Experts urged science-backed harm reduction strategies, including regulated smoke-free nicotine alternatives. Studies show such products carry far lower risks than smoking. While not risk-free, experts believe they can aid India’s goal of cutting tobacco use by 30% by 2025 under WHO targets.
Budget 2020: Smokers to pay more on cigarettes, excise duty hiked on tobacco
Price of cigarettes will go up by 6-7% in case of lower priced packs where the stick size is small and has borne the maximum increase in duties, while for the larger size sticks and premium packs the price hike will be 4-5%.
Cigarette sales will continue to be under pressure in India: Report
In case of the economy cigarette segment, total tax accounts for over 75% of the price, while it is 50% in case of premium cigarette brands and 43% for mid-priced cigarettes.
GST cess pulls cigarette sales down 8-9% in July-August
ITC in July increased cigarette prices by 4-8 per cent due to the increase in GST cess.
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