This year the Union Budget announcement has come at a high COST for cigarette lovers. Among several key announcements impacting the masses, FM Nirmala Sitharaman declared a 16% increase in custom duty on cigarettes. Apparently, the hike has come with a view to improve the health of citizens and boost our economy.

The price hike has caused immense pain to smokers; they’ve found solace in memes. Have a look.

https://twitter.com/swatic12/status/1620707909868068864?s=20&t=MRA1zO8_6vjm_NIjSjWqGA
https://twitter.com/ShyamMeeraSingh/status/1620697438167375873?s=20&t=us5CrYffyd0A8MJyHai-0w

I offer my sympathies to my cigarette-loving friends.

Read more: Increase In Income Tax Rebate For The New Regime Has Got People In Old Regime Exclaiming ‘WTF’