Overview
- SEBI-registered adviser Rajat Sharma suggested frequent smokers could fly to Ho Chi Minh City to buy cheaper cigarettes after India’s planned tax increase.
- He cited Marlboro Lights at about ₹340 in New Delhi potentially rising to roughly ₹400, versus ₹120–₹130 in Vietnam, with a return ticket estimated at ₹21,000 and a proposal to buy 75 packs.
- Commenters noted import rules that allow only limited cigarettes duty-free, with larger quantities attracting customs duty that would likely outweigh any price advantage.
- Many responses urged quitting for health reasons and criticized the idea as reflecting addiction rather than financial prudence.
- The Finance Ministry has notified new excise duties of ₹2,050–₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks from February 1 on top of GST of up to 40%, and there have been no reports of policy changes or official action tied to the post.