Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Nigar Guliyeva - Trend:
The cost of cigarettes in Kazakhstan increased since Jan. 1, 2018 in accordance with the amendments to the resolution "On the establishment of minimum retail prices for cigarettes with a filter, without a filter and cigarettes" dated 2007.
Thus, the minimum retail price for a pack of cigarettes is 340 tenge. furthermore, upon the government decree from July 1 to Dec.31, 2018, the minimum prices will rise to 360 tenge per pack.
The next increase in the cost of cigarettes is expected on Jan. 1, 2019 - the minimum cost of the pack will reach 380 tenge.
The increase in prices is natural, given the regular increase in excise taxes on tobacco products. In 2017, compared to 2016, the figure grew by 24 percent- from 5,000 tenge per 1,000 to 6,200 tenge. In 2018, rates are planned to raise to 7,500 tenge and in 2019 - to 8700 tenge.
Meanwhile, local tobacco companies are cutting production against the background of a decrease in the consumption of cigarettes. In January-October, 2017, the country produced about 14.3 billion cigars, chert, cigarillos, cigarettes, cigarettes from tobacco or its substitutes. The figure is less by 11.7 percent compared to the same period in 2016.
Kazakhstan has adhered to the principles of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organization 10 years ago.
The official exchange rate for January 4 is 333 KZT / USD.