Smoking will soon become a far more expensive vice. A new price rise for cigarettes and tobacco products will go into effect on January 1, 2026, as outlined in the government's approved budget. At the heart of the proposal is an increase in excise duties, which will have an immediate impact on retail prices and are projected to rise more in the future.
The intervention will not be limited to a single year. The government's plan also calls for progressive hikes in 2027 and 2028. As early as 2026, the average price rise will be roughly 15 cents each pack, but during the next three years, the entire increase will be more than 40 cents versus present pricing. A pack of cigarettes currently costs between €5.30 and €5.50, but under the new taxation scheme, these thresholds will progressively rise, affecting the habits of millions of consumers. The fiscal tightening affects more than simply traditional tobacco. Alternatives to conventional smoking, such as e-cigarettes and e-liquids, are also impacted; this segment is experiencing accelerated growth, particularly among youth. The increase in excise taxes on these items is one of the Budget's most significant provisions: a measure aimed at increasing state revenue while also, according to the administration, lowering tobacco smoking for public health concerns.