CYPUS WARNED ABOUT RISING CIGARETTE PRICES AND THE RISK OF SMUGGLING

The Sykade Kiosk Owners Association warned the Ministry of Finance about the potential consequences of increasing excise duties on tobacco products under the EU initiative. According to their estimates, the price of a pack of cigarettes could rise from €4.50–€5 to €7–€7.50, and rolling tobacco — almost double.

Entrepreneurs believe this will hit the legal market and increase the flow of smuggling from the north of the island. According to the association, currently about 13% of cigarettes and more than half of rolling tobacco are obtained illegally, with annual budget losses exceeding €50 million.

Sykade also reminded that about 50% of kiosk revenue comes from tobacco products and warned about the risk of new business closures. Over the past decade, around 600 kiosks have ceased operations on the island.

Meanwhile, the EU states that the reform aims to reduce the smoking rate to 5% by 2040 and could save billions of euros in healthcare. In addition to regular cigarettes, the excise is planned to be extended for the first time to electronic devices, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches.

Cyprus remains one of the European countries with the highest smoking rates: about 34% of adults use tobacco.