On March 27, Indian stocks declined as crude prices rose and bond yields surged, leading to a fifth consecutive week of losses. The Nifty 50 and Sensex fell significantly, with PSU banks experiencing notable losses amid fears of fiscal sustainability.

A meeting of the Tobacco Board held in Mysuru on March 2 saw elected representatives put pressure on traders, represented by ITC Limited, Godfrey Phillips India Limited, and others to increase prices and protect farmers’ interests.

Shares of cigarette maker Godfrey Phillips India surged over 6% on Thursday to hit Rs 2,635 on the BSE, extending a three-day winning streak that has pushed the stock up 31%.The sharp rise follows media reports indicating that companies have raised prices to pass on higher costs to consumers. The price hikes are aimed at offsetting the recent excise duty increase, reducing the expected EBIT decline to around 2%, compared with earlier estimates of 8–15%.Godfrey Phillips India has raised the price of Marlboro Compact from Rs 9.5 per stick to Rs 11.5 per stick, according to a news report. ITC is likely to raise cigarette prices by 20–40% across brands, with fresh shipments expected to reach the market soon. Retailers are also selling existing inventory at higher prices.These developments follow the government's notification ending the GST compensation cess and rolling out a new tobacco tax regime on February 1, as reported by ETNow.Under the new framework, excise duties on cigarettes were restructured to a range of Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, alongside a 40% GST.

Indian markets logged a third straight gain. E2E Networks and Netweb Technologies India jumped on Nvidia partnerships, while Godfrey Phillips, Easy Trip, Ola Electric saw sharp moves.

Except FMCG, all sectoral indices closed in the green, led by autos, metals, and realty.

Despite some trading apps showing a steep fall, the price decline was technical, reflecting bonus share adjustments.

The company has delivered strong earnings growth and shareholder payouts, with recent profit and revenue figures reinforcing its long-term momentum.

Pan masala, tobacco, cigarettes, luxury cars, and online gaming could face a 40% tax, as per reports

DOMS and Godfrey Phillips show strong chart patterns, while PG Electroplast and Voltas face resistance zones and selling pressure.