Cigarette prices in Albania are going up in 2025 as the government raises taxes on tobacco. Smokers can expect to pay more at the checkout, with further hikes planned throughout the year.
Cigarettes are getting more expensive in Albania this year, as the government hikes taxes on tobacco. Prices for several brands have already gone up, with more increases expected over the coming months. So far, the average rise is around 10 lek per pack.
The government has set a maximum price retailers can charge, with the most expensive pack now costing 500 lek.
Import numbers show a slight dip in cigarette imports this year. Between January and November 2024, 2,844 tons were brought in, down from 2,924 tons in the same period last year. However, November saw a small bump, with 274 tons imported compared to 268 tons last year.
This tax increase is part of the government’s long-term plan, which will continue until 2026. Starting in January 2025, the excise duty will rise to 7,500 lek per 1,000 cigarettes, with another increase to 7,750 lek planned for 2026. The goal? To reduce smoking and boost public health.
Albania is also looking to overhaul its tobacco tax system, potentially following the combined excise models used across Europe. This would mean a tax per product unit, along with a percentage-based tax on the selling price.
The EU requires a minimum excise rate of 90 euros per 1,000 cigarettes, and Albania plans to meet this standard soon.
The tobacco excise is a major revenue earner for Albania, second only to fuel taxes. With these price hikes, the government hopes to curb smoking while raising funds for health initiatives.
