The health ministry ordered government agencies to enforce health warnings covering 85 per cent of cigarette packs, a ruling that prompted tobacco companies to shut down production, Reuters reported.

ITC Ltd, partially owned by British American Tobacco, and Godfrey Philips, a partner of Philip Morris International, opposed the measure which went into effect on 1 April, the news agency said. Previously manufacturers were required to place warnings on 40 per cent of tobacco packaging. A parliamentary panel has suggested reducing the increase to 50 per cent.