Egypt is implementing a higher tax rate on tobacco products, raising cigarette prices by as much as 40 per cent.

In May the government passed a law that introduced new taxes on tobacco products in a bid to curb smoking and raise money for public health programs.
According to the Associated Press the taxes raise the price of cigarettes by as much as 40 per cent, while the tobacco used in water pipes, known locally as shisha, now costs twice as much. Premium cigarettes such as Malboro climbed to EGP 2.00 (EUR 0.28) per pack, up from EGP 1.65, while Cleopatra brand  now cost EGP 0.80 per pack, up from EGP 0.54.
The new taxes are expected to generate about EGP 345 million in additional revenue for the government. (pi)