Tobacco tax hikes proposed for India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said recently thatIndiawould benefit from a 50 per cent hike in cigarette prices, according to a story in the latest issue of the BBM Bommidala Group newsletter.

The hike, which would require a 70-120 per cent increase in tobacco taxes, ‘could bring in added revenues to help close the fiscal deficit’, ADB reportedly said.

Tax increases on other tobacco products also formed part of an ADB report.