Since state monopoly, cigarette sales drop in Hungary
pixabay
Sales of cigarettes have dropped by 40% in Hungary since the government introduced the network of National Tobacco Shops, which can only be opened on acquiring a concession, according to data from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV).
Since the National Tobacco Shops (Nemzeti Dohánybolt) were introduced in July 1, 2013, only such shops can sell tobacco products in Hungary. Approximately 7.8 billion cigarettes were sold last year, dropping from 12.5 billion sold in 2012, NAV data show.
However, according to data from the authority, as the excise tax on cigarettes was raised, more people started rolling their own cigarettes as prepackaged cigarettes are much more expensive. Sales of loose-leaf tobacco climbed to 6,461 tons in 2015 from 5,179 tons in 2012, Hungarian news agency MTI reported, citing NAV data.
Further government measures are in the pipeline related to the market, aiming to reduce the ratio of smokers among the younger generation, such as the introduction of unified blank packaging as of next year, as well as plans for making the distribution of electronic cigarettes stricter.
Hungary CPI Drop Acknowledged at IMF/World Bank Spring Meeti...
Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi...
AI may Save Hungarian Healthcare, Says Leading Doctor
Time Out Market to Open in Budapest Next Year
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
