Japan Tobacco is to increase prices on domestic cigarettes and cigars when consumption tax goes up from three per cent to five per cent in April 1997

Prices could increase on as many as 87 brands of tobacco products, with cigarettes expected to rise by ¥ 10 (US$ 0.9) per pack. It will be the first major change in the company's pricing since 1986. Mild Seven and other popular cigarette brands now retail at between ¥220 and 240 per pack. The tax increase is expected to add about ¥ 4 to the pack price.