Consumption goes down as cigarettes become more expensive

TIRANA, July 29؁ccording to the General Directory of Customs (DPD), Albania has imported 1300 tonnes of cigarettes in the first five months of 2009, 117 tonnes less than the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, revenues from the excise tax on imported cigarettes have registered a 47 million Lek increase, while total cost of cigarettes imported has increased by 300 million Lek to a total of 2.4 billion Lek.
The numbers reflect a surge in increased cigarette prices all over the world as a result of governments’ attempts to curb the smoking habits of their citizens.
So far, cigarettes in Albania are on average 30 Lek (0.25 euro) more expensive in 2009 and a further increase is expected after the government announced last week that it will increase the excise tax for cigarettes among other products.