Mauritius smokers frown over new cigarette prices

They say bad habits cost a lot, and that is quite literally the case for smokers in Mauritius as the price of cigarettes rose between Rs5-Rs10 per pack on Monday 6 February.

The new hike was reportedly announced during the 2022 budget by Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy.

The new prices are:

• Dunhill Red Berry: Rs 290
• Dunhill Switch Tube: Rs 285
• Dunhill Red and Blue: Rs 280
• Benson & Hedges: Rs 280
• Matinée: Rs 245
• Rothmans: Rs 215
• Rothmans Capsule: Rs 220
• Pall Mall (Red, Green): Rs 195

While some users online cheered the announcement, the news of price hike was enough to fill social media with crestfallen sentiments.

The previous increase in cigarette prices was in June 2022. It was a 10% increase, which became effective after the Budget was presented.

Currently, the import and sale of e-cigarettes, tobacco products and roll your cigarette paper is prohibited. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited. There is a comprehensive ban on e-cigarette advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

The cigarette market is estimated to be around Rs5 billion annually.