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Egypt Hikes Cigarette Prices as New VAT Law Takes Effect

Taarek Refaat In a bold fiscal move aimed at bolstering state revenues, Egypt has officially raised cigarette prices following parliamentary approval of amendments to the country's Value Added Tax (VAT) law. The price hikes, effective Wednesday, July 2, have pushed the cost of both local and imported cigarette brands to record highs, sparking widespread consumer and media attention. According to Ibrahim Imbaby, head of the Tobacco Division at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the newly approved pricing structure aligns with three tax brackets, each impacting cigarette brands differently. Imbaby hailed the legislation as a "timely and strategic decision" that supports both government income and price stability for tobacco companies. Local Brands: Cleopatra Hits New Ceiling Cleopatra, Egypt's most widely consumed cigarette brand, saw its retail price surge from EGP 38.70 to EGP 48 per pack across all variants — including King Size, Super, Soft Queen, Box, Black Label, and others. Other domestically produced brands such as Boston, Bloment, Mondial (Red, Blue, Silver), and Matsuyan Super now also retail for EGP 48. Imported Brands: Marlboro and Merit Top EGP 100 Multinational tobacco products under Philip Morris have also experienced substantial increases: Marlboro: Jumped from EGP 89 to over EGP 100 in many kiosks and retailers. Merit: Rose from EGP 95 to above EGP 105, placing it firmly in the premium category. LM: Now priced at EGP 69, up from EGP 69 pre-tax change, solidifying its mid-tier classification. HEETS & TEREA (Heated Tobacco): Varieties such as Selections, Dimensions, and Capsules are now selling for EGP 74. New Pricing Brackets Introduced The updated tax framework organizes cigarette products into three main price brackets: Tier 1 (Economy): Max retail price raised from EGP 38.80 to EGP 48 Tier 2 (Mid-range): Capped at EGP 69 Tier 3 (Premium imports): Starting from EGP 96 and up Government Stance & Industry Reaction The VAT adjustment law, first debated in Parliament over the weekend, aims to rationalize consumption while boosting public funds. The government argues that the new structure balances public health concerns with economic realities. 'Tobacco prices in Egypt have remained artificially low for years,' said a parliamentary source involved in the discussions. 'This step aligns prices more closely with global standards.' Meanwhile, tobacco companies have publicly supported the tax change, emphasizing its role in reducing pricing disparities and encouraging regulatory clarity. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"