EU tax push could drive cigarette prices in Greece to €6.50 per pack

New European framework targets higher tobacco taxes as Greece faces sharp price increases and public health concerns.

A new wave of tobacco tax increases under discussion in the European Union could significantly raise cigarette prices in Greece, with some projections suggesting that a standard pack may climb to €6.50 from around €4.80 today.

The proposed changes, outlined in a study presented at the European Parliament, aim to harmonize excise duties across member states. Greece is among the countries flagged for relatively low tobacco taxation, sitting just above the EU’s minimum threshold.

📊 Greece Among Lowest-Taxed Tobacco Markets
According to the analysis, Greece ranks 24th in the EU in terms of excise tax per pack of 20 cigarettes, at approximately €2.74. To align with revised EU benchmarks, countries including Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, and Bulgaria may need to implement tax increases exceeding 80%.

🚬 High Smoking Rates Raise Stakes
The tax debate comes against a backdrop of exceptionally high tobacco consumption in Greece:

• Average smoker consumes 18.13 cigarettes per day—the highest rate in the EU
• 36% of the population uses tobacco products, compared to a 24% EU average
• Estimated 14.3 billion cigarettes consumed annually (~714 million packs)

The scale of consumption underscores both the economic and public health implications of potential price hikes.

⚠️ Illicit Trade Concerns
Experts warn that rising prices could fuel the already significant illegal tobacco market. In Greece:

• Around 2.5 billion cigarettes are estimated to be illicit
• This accounts for roughly 17.5% of total consumption
• The link between higher prices and increased black-market activity remains a key concern in policy discussions.

🌍 Global Health Context
Globally, tobacco use remains a major public health issue. According to the World Health Organization, smoking causes over 7 million deaths annually. Data from the Tobacco Atlas indicates that more than 5 trillion cigarettes were consumed worldwide in 2019, with approximately 11.6% traded illegally.

💸 Cost Impact on Smokers
At current prices (€4.80/pack), the average smoker in Greece spends:

• €130.5 per month
• €1,588 annually

If prices rise to €6.50:

• Monthly cost increases to €176.8
• Annual spending reaches €2,151
• Additional burden: over €560 per year