Cigarette prices have continued to increase in recent years in France. There was the symbolic transition to the €10 package around September 2020, then further increases followed. At the end of 2023, packs of 20 cigarettes mostly cost between €11 and €11.50. But be careful, on January 1, 2024, prices will be revised upwards again.
How much will cigarettes increase?
The increase was noted by publication in the Official Journal on December 12. The new prices are applicable in France, excluding the overseas departments.
The increases are nominative and different packages of the same brand do not increase in the same way. So, for example, the package of Marlboro Mix will not increase while that of Marlboro Gold will increase from €11.50 to €12.50. For certain packages which have a larger capacity, the increases may also be greater. For example, Marlboro XL Classic Gold of 25 cigarettes go from €14.40 to €15.65, an increase of €1.25.
Other forms of tobacco will also increase. Thus, the 30 g packet of Amsterdamer blond rolling tobacco goes from €14.90 to €16 and the American Spirit Original (joke), in 30 g goes from €16 to €17.20.
What is the objective with these tobacco price increases?
According to the Ministry of Health, which cites the World Health Organization, “raising the price is the best way to lower the tobacco consumption : increasing tobacco taxes is the most effective solution to reduce smoking and a real public health tool“. For the State, the objective is therefore to dissuade current smokers and to prevent new smokers.
Indeed, after the increase of 2 euros between 2016 and 2020 on cigarette packets, tobacco consumption was reduced by 17% over this period.
According to data published by Santé Publique France in 2018, tax increases are real drivers for motivating smokers to quit. “Among former daily smokers, 39.8% say that rising prices were a motivation for quitting“, specifies the ministry.
How much will a pack of cigarettes cost in 2027?
The objective is therefore to continue to increase the prices of cigarette packets, to motivate even more smokers to quit. According to the Ministry of Health and its national tobacco control program, the goal is to reach 13 euros per pack in 2027.
For more information, visit the website of Official newspaper or on the Ministry of Health website.