Cigarettes have become more expensive again in Northern Cyprus: prices have risen by another 5 lira

Smokers in Northern Cyprus are facing yet another increase in expenses. Several local outlets reported a new rise in cigarette and tobacco product prices. Since June 6, the recommended retail prices for a number of popular brands have gone up by another 5 Turkish lira.

According to the published price lists, the increase affected products from major international manufacturers. After the latest price adjustment, most popular cigarette brands are now priced in the range of 105 to 120 Turkish lira per pack. Some items in the Winston, Camel, Sobranie and Benson & Hedges lines have also received new price tags.

This latest increase is far from the first this year. At the end of February, Northern Cyprus had already seen a major rise in tobacco product prices: at that time, individual brands including Marlboro, Parliament, Muratti and Terea went up by 10 lira per pack at once.

Experts link the regular price growth to higher import costs, fluctuations in the Turkish lira exchange rate and increased supplier expenses. Most cigarettes sold in Northern Cyprus are imported brands, so any changes in the exchange rate are quickly reflected in retail prices.

For many residents of Northern Cyprus, this has already become a familiar trend: over the past two years, cigarette prices on the island have been raised repeatedly, and prices for some popular brands have nearly doubled compared with levels a few years ago.