As of: March 22, 2024, 10:44 p.m
By: Florian Neuroth
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Cigarettes are increasingly becoming a luxury item in Austria.
Just in time for Easter, manufacturers increase prices - the reason is simple.
Vienna – The Easter holidays are just around the corner and with them the cars will be stuck in traffic jams.
When the holidays start at the same time in eleven German federal states this weekend (March 23rd/24th), German motorways will be busy again.
This is particularly true in the direction of Austria, because the school-free days are ideal for a hiking trip in the spring-like Alps or a short trip to Vienna.
Anyone who sets off for neighboring Germany these days not only has to have patience, but also a slightly better-filled wallet - at least if they are a smoker.
According to the report, the prices of many cigarette brands are rising in Austria because of the tobacco tax
As kosmo.at reports, the prices of numerous cigarette brands are rising in Austria this month and next.
The Japanese tobacco company Japan Tobacco International (JTI), for example, had already increased its prices at the beginning of March - its brands Benson & Hedges, Camel, Meine Sorte and Smart Export have since been available in Austria for 20 cents more per pack.
In Austria, the prices of many cigarette brands will rise in March and April 2024.
© IMAGO/Harald Dostal
According to the report, the background is an increase in tobacco tax in Austria.
This traditionally comes into force on April 1st and is often used by manufacturers to increase prices.
At Philip Morris this should be the case on April 2nd.
The brands Marlboro, Chesterfield, L&M and Philip Morris cost 20 cents more per pack, and there should be an increase of the same amount for the Heets tobacco sticks used in the tobacco heater.
There are also varieties that remain stable in price.
Cigarettes in Austria are still significantly cheaper than in Germany
Now 20 cents seems like a relatively small cut, but that is too short-sighted, as a calculation in the report shows.
According to kosmo.at, a pack of Marlboro now costs 6.50 euros instead of 6.30 - so if you smoke a pack every day, you will earn 2,372.50 euros in a year.
73 euros more than the old price.
This is likely to particularly affect cross-border commuters or people in the south of Germany who often travel to Austria to buy their cigarettes there.
Despite the recent price increase, cigarettes in Austria are significantly more affordable than in Germany.
Popular brands now cost more than 8 euros in the Federal Republic, and tax increases that have already been scheduled in the coming years will make smoking in Germany even more expensive.
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EU wants to reduce smoking rates in Europe – price increases and sales restrictions
Those who don't smoke pay the least.
Quitting is not easy, but in addition to the well-known tips, there are now numerous tools available in stores.
They may also be able to contribute to ensuring that European politics achieves the goal of a “non-smoking society”.
By 2040, less than five percent of Europe's citizens should consume tobacco, according to the EU's plan.
To achieve this, countries are increasing prices or restricting the sale of tobacco products.
The Belgian Parliament has just passed strict sales rules.
In Germany, the federal government's addiction and drug commissioner, Burkhard Blienert (SPD), is now calling for a smoking ban in outdoor restaurants and higher cigarette prices.
The Federal Republic is still a long way from achieving its ambitious goals.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, 22.7 percent of all adults in Germany currently smoke.
(Florian Neuroth)