The government targets smoking: Tobacco tax adds 100 million euros to the treasury
Smoking in Austria is set to become significantly more expensive starting in February, following the implementation of a new tobacco tax increase, with cigarette companies passing these additional costs onto consumers nationwide.
The federal government announced an increase in tobacco taxes, prompting many major companies to adjust their prices. This move comes less than a year after the last increase, adding an additional financial burden on smokers amid rising living costs.
According to the newspaper Krone, JTI will raise the price of Camel cigarettes by 30 cents, bringing the price of a pack from 6.50 euros to 6.80 euros. The Meine Sorte brand will also see a similar sharp increase, rising by 30 cents to a new price of 7.30 euros.
Philip Morris has confirmed that it will raise its prices by 10 to 20 cents starting February 2. As a result, the price of Marlboro, the most popular brand in Austria, will reach 7 euros for the first time. In contrast, the brands Winston and Benson & Hedges plan to keep their current prices for now.
The Ministry of Finance expects that the increase in tobacco tax will generate additional revenues of 100 million euros. The tax also includes alternative tobacco products that are now subject to monopoly, such as nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, which expands the state's income from the consumption of tobacco products.