Domestic Production Rises as Costs Increase Across Regions
Smokers in Kazakhstan are facing increasingly expensive cigarettes, with prices rising consistently month after month. According to analysis by Energyprom, the average cost of cigarettes surged by 16.5% year-on-year by the end of March 2025, with a 1% increase recorded in March alone.
Read morePhilip Morris Brands See 10 TL Increase, Pushing Prices Higher
Smokers in Türkiye are facing significantly higher cigarette prices in 2025, with major brands experiencing substantial increases attributed largely to hikes in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on tobacco products.
Read moreHong Kong is set to tighten its tobacco control laws with a new amendment bill introduced on April 25, 2025. Key proposals target travelers bringing cigarettes and expand public no-smoking areas.
Read moreLargest Hike Expected in 2025 Due to Excise Tax Adjustments
Cigarette prices in Ukraine are projected to increase continuously from 2025 through 2028, driven by planned hikes in excise taxes. According to the April 2025 Inflation Report from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), the most significant price jump is expected this year, partly to compensate for lower-than-targeted tax revenues in the previous year.
Read moreIt’s a common observation for many air travelers, whether seasoned flyers or occasional vacationers: nestled somewhere onboard, often in or near the lavatory, sits an ashtray. This small feature might seem like a curious relic from a bygone era, especially given the strict, universally enforced bans on smoking during flights that have been in place for decades. The lingering presence of these ashtrays sparks a natural question: if lighting up mid-flight is strictly forbidden and carries hefty penalties, why do even brand-new airplanes still come equipped with them? The answer lies not in condoning smoking, but firmly in the realm of passenger safety and regulatory foresight.
Read moreRussia has seen a significant decline in the number of smokers since 2009, with the smoking rate among adults aged 15 and above dropping from 39.5% to 18.6%, according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. The minister credited the success to the implementation of anti-tobacco measures in the country. The announcement was made during the 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, “Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia,” which was held at the Russia National Center from April 21-23, bringing together representatives from various sectors to discuss issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.
News source: Russia’s smoking rate halved since 2009, says health ministry
The Maldives Ministry of Health announced Sunday (April.19) that applications are now open for mandatory new Tobacco Sales Licenses. Under a recent amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, all wholesale and retail sellers of tobacco products must secure this specific license from the ministry, in addition to existing trade licenses.
Read moreThe Russian government has approved plans by the Finance Ministry to raise the retail prices of cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs, as reported by the Kommersant newspaper. Starting from September 1, 2026, each tobacco retail facility in Russia will require a special license, which will cost up to 60,000 rubles per year, while a wholesale trade license will cost 800,000 rubles and will be valid for five years.
Read moreThe Balearic Islands have expanded their network of smoke-free beaches, with Muro near Alcudia in northeast Mallorca and Port de Sant Miquel in Ibiza joining the “Smoke-free beaches, healthy beaches” campaign. This brings the total number of smoke-free beaches in the Balearics to 50, as part of a growing trend across Spain to promote healthy habits and protect the environment.
Read moreThe Maldives cabinet has decided to implement a generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Under this ban, the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco will be prohibited for those falling under this age category. The ban is set to come into effect on November 1, 2025, following a six-month period allocated for enforcement authorities to revise existing regulations in line with the amended law.
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