Cigarette prices to rise 30 centimes

Cigarette prices are rising by an average of 30 centimes on Monday, with the top-selling Marlboro going from €7 to €7.30.

The health ministry said the rise was to cut the number of people smoking and would mean four out of every five packs of cigarettes would cost €7 or more.

It is the first of a series of regular price increases that Health Minister Agnès Buzyn said would mean a €10 pack by 2020 – with a €1 rise due in April next year. She said the rises were being staggered to allow smokers time to adjust and find ways to stop. In France 29% of people smoke against just 20% in the UK.

A campaign to help people stop smoking, called Moi(s) sans tabac, is running this month with information kits, coaching aids and dedicated events across the country.

Cigarette manufacturers have previously absorbed tax rises to keep prices fairly stable over the past four years but the government has increased taxes on cigarettes and rolling tobacco to force them to increase prices significantly.

Taxes make up 80% of the price of a pack today and bring in €14billion to the government – but smoking is blamed for the deaths of 75,000 people each year.

With Marlboro at €7.30, Camel will rise from €6.90 to €7.20, Lucky Strike from €6.50 to €6.80 – and Winston and News will rise 50 centimes from €6.50 to €7. However, Philip Morris, the second best selling brand, will only rise 10 centimes, from €6.90 to €7.