New Delhi: The Centre is set to present the Union Budget for 2026–27 today, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scheduled to table it in Parliament at 11 am. Amid global economic uncertainties, experts expect the Budget to outline key allocations and policy measures aimed at strengthening India’s economy. Several changes are likely to impact daily life, including a hike in prices of pan masala, cigarettes, and other tobacco products following the imposition of additional excise duty and a new “Health and National Security Cess,” alongside GST.
In a relief for highway commuters, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has discontinued KYC verification for new FASTag registrations for cars, jeeps, and vans from February 1, simplifying the process. Meanwhile, oil marketing companies have reduced Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices by nearly ₹1,000 per kilolitre in Delhi, which could lead to a marginal drop in air ticket fares. Changes in LPG cylinder, CNG, PNG, and aviation fuel prices are also expected as part of the broader Budget impact.
B&K on ITC
Our channel checks in urban markets in South, West and East India indicate there seems to be a price hike of Rs1/stick across all the ITC brands at the retail level.
We feel, if at all, price hike before Budget is a bold move by the market leader as normally prices…
— Darshan Mehta (@darshanvmehta1) December 23, 2025