Classic Connect, Gold Flake Super Star now more expensive: ITC hikes cigarette prices again

Higher tobacco taxes have led to increased cigarette prices, with ITC raising prices for Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star.

Higher tobacco taxes are pushing up cigarette prices, with ITC increasing rates for select brands. The latest changes affect Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star, according to NDTV Profit.

Dealer checks indicate that packs carrying the revised prices have already started entering the market. These increases follow several rounds of price changes by ITC this year.

A pack of 20 Classic Connect cigarettes now costs ₹428, against ₹390 earlier. That represents an increase of ₹38, or 9.74%, for each pack, NDTV Profit reported.

Gold Flake Super Star has seen a bigger percentage increase. Its pack of 10 cigarettes now costs ₹89, compared with ₹79 previously. Buyers will pay ₹10 more, marking a 12.66% rise.

The tax changes took effect on 1 February. Cigarettes and other tobacco products moved to a 40% GST rate. A new additional excise duty structure also came into effect.

Except for cigarettes, other products that came under the 40% GST bracket include Pan Masala, Aerated Water containing added sugar, carbonated beverages, mid-size and large cards, motorcycles (Over 350 CC), aircraft for personal use and yachts for pleasure.

For cigarettes, this additional duty ranges from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks. The applicable amount depends on the cigarette length and whether the product has a filter. These charges come above GST, increasing the overall tax burden.

Manufacturers have passed higher tax costs to buyers, with longer and filtered cigarettes especially affected.

Earlier price increases already made both these products more expensive. In February, Classic Connect rose from ₹300 to ₹360, then to ₹390. Gold Flake Super Star increased from ₹59 to ₹70 during that period.

Social media reaction

Social media users posted mixed reactions about the latest price hike. Some have joked about cigarettes being more expensive while others believe it’s the right call.

“Inflation doesn't let us live in peace, nor does it let us smoke in peace,” wrote one of them.

“Now, even making a mistake in sorrow has become expensive,” quipped another user.

One user commented, “I totally support this price hike. Increase prices every month. Make it so expensive that people find it difficult to smoke.”

“This will change nothing. Smokers will smoke anyway,” came from another.

“The government asks money from companies, and ITC is passing it on to customers. That’s how it works. The n=biggest fools are the customers because there’s no value for money,” posted another user.

About the Author

Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.

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