On the eve of the end of the year, more tobacco is entering the country. Data from the Ministry of Finance and Economy show that 316 tons of cigarettes were imported during October, the highest level in recent years.
"Always at the end of every year there is a higher amount of tobacco imports. This is because the excise tax is indexed from January 1 of each year. By having stock, the supplier guarantees more money, since he buys it cheaper and sells it more expensive", says Roland Shuperka, tobacco control expert.
From January 1 next year, packs of cigarettes will cost 5 ALL more. This is because the excise tax, the tax aimed at discouraging the use of this product, increases to 7,250 ALL for every 1,000 threads. Currently, this tax is 7 thousand ALL.
"So the real increase per package is 5 ALL. This is positive as it aims at discouraging its use and regulates its trade even in relation to neighboring countries", adds Shuperka.
However, the traders in the country did not wait for next year to increase the prices of tobacco. In the last week, cigarette packs have become more expensive by an average of 20 Lek. But who does growth serve, business or the health of citizens?
The increase in prices has shown, also according to WHO studies, that there is no discouragement of cigarette consumption in Albania. It is therefore for business purposes.”
Taken over the course of 10 months, the data show that 2,665 tons of tobacco were imported, the highest level ever recorded. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
