As of 1 March, there is an increase in excise work on tobacco articles, which will consequence in higher cigaret prices. But this is only the beginning: by 2027 the price of a pack of cigarettes can be 26 PLN. How much are we going to pay for them from 1 March?
The change in the rate of excise work was passed last year, and since 1 March the rate of excise work in the quota part increases by 25%. For the government, this is simply a way to reduce the budget deficit, but besides a motivation to restrict access to tobacco products that have a negative impact on citizens' health.
The increase in excise work means that the price of a cigaret pack, which presently amounts to PLN 17-18, will increase to over PLN 20.
From 1 March 2025, excise work on tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and fresh goods will be:
PLN 345 for 1,000 pieces of cigarettes,
PLN 260,14 per kilogram smoking tobacco,
PLN 655 per kilo of cigars and cigars,
PLN 565.52 per kilogram of innovative products,
PLN 0.96 per millilitre of liquids for electronic cigarettes.
As a consequence of this increase, the price of a cigaret pack, which presently varies between 17-18 PLN, will exceed 20 PLN. Moreover, a fresh map of increases for the following years was introduced: in 2026 it will increase by 20% and in 2027 by an additional 15%.
According to analysts' forecasts, already next year a pack of cigarettes, which presently costs PLN 17-18, will scope the price of PLN 23.85, and in 2027 the price may amount to PLN 26.54.
The increases will besides include cigars, smoking tobacco and electronic cigaret fluids. The rulers point out that 1 of the reasons for these changes is the increase in consumer purchasing power. According to the figures, in 2019 the average wage in Poland was adequate to buy 348 cigarettes, and in 2023 already for 437 packages.
Experts note that Poland remains 1 of the cheapest countries in Europe in terms of cigaret prices. For comparison, in Ireland more than €14 must be paid for a pack of cigarettes.
