Majilis Passes Reforms Aimed at Simplification and Differentiated Rates
Deputies in Kazakhstan’s Majilis (lower house of parliament) have approved a new Tax Code in its second reading, introducing significant changes aimed at simplifying the system and adjusting tax rates across various sectors. The reforms include setting the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and outlining phased increases for excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Read moreRumors Persist, But Official Prices Unchanged Since Late 2024
Despite ongoing speculation and a recent increase in the value of tax stamps (“banderoles”) affixed to packs, official cigarette prices in Egypt remain unchanged, with no new price hikes announced by manufacturers or the Ministry of Finance. Rumors frequently circulate regarding cigarette costs, prompting close consumer attention.
Read moreDomestic 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 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 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 moreTürkiye has witnessed a series of cigarette price hikes in recent days, with the latest increase announced by Erol Dündar, President of the Tekel Dealers Mutual Aid Association (TBYD). The Imperial Tobacco cigarette group has joined the ranks of PM, BAT, JTI, and TT cigarette groups, which have already increased their prices by 4-5 TL in the first days of August. Read more
Smokers in Minneapolis will face some of the highest cigarette prices in the United States after the City Council unanimously voted to set a minimum retail price of $15 per pack. This move aims to promote public health by discouraging smoking, particularly among youth.
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