Excise Tax on Cigarettes in Albania Could Be Raised to Curb Smoking

The excise tax on cigarettes in Albania could be raised by 20 Leks per pack from currently 70 Leks to 90 Leks per pack in 2012, daily Standard reports citing sources from Albania’s Ministry of Finances. The draft is being completed and will soon go to Parliament for voting.

The increase of the excise tax is seen by authorities as a preventive measure to keep people away from smoking. It is estimated that around 40% of Albanians smoke regularly.