Changes to the tax system starting in October lead to higher prices for some tobacco products, the Japan Times reported.

Japan Tobacco Inc. and two other tobacco giants gained approval from the Finance Ministry to raise tobacco prices. Prices of some cigars, popular for their cheapness at JPY 300 to 400 (USD 2.84 – 3.79) per box, will be raised to levels on par with cigarettes over two years, resulting in a price hike of around dozens of yen per box, the report said.