Prices of cigarettes and vapes rise, tobacco excise cited as the cause

The increase in cigarette prices has begun to be reflected in the Albanian market following the entry into force of the excise indexation предусмотрed in the law on national taxes.

The tax hike has had a direct impact on the price of tobacco products, which are now being sold at higher prices in retail outlets.

According to the accompanying document of the draft law, the excise on cigarettes has been indexed from 7,500 lekë to 7,750 lekë per 1,000 cigarettes, an increase of 250 lekë, which translates into a few extra lekë per pack for the final consumer.

At the same time, increases have also been applied to alternative tobacco products. The excise on electronic cigarettes and “vape” liquids has risen from 18 to 20 lekë per milliliter, placing these products for the first time under a stricter fiscal regime.

The government argues that the indexation of the excise aims to increase budget revenues, but also to curb tobacco consumption in the interest of protecting public health.

However, data show that demand remains high. Tobacco imports have reached over 3,150 tons, the highest level recorded so far.

Authorities forecast that this measure will generate around 1 billion lekë in additional state budget revenues this year, while cigarette prices are expected to continue their gradual increase in the coming years.

“KORÇA BOOM”