The price of cigarettes is expected to go up sharply after the next budget, in which Finance Minister Edward Scicluna is expected to announce measures to increase indirect taxation, The Malta Independent has learnt.
The government knows that an increase in the price of cigarettes – amid a long-term campaign for people to quit smoking – will not raise any questions. But a hefty rise could effectively lead to people giving up the habit, meaning that revenue from cigarettes could either remain the same or, worse in financial terms, be cut down.
No details were immediately available as the Finance Ministry is tight-lipped on the budget, expected to be presented on 4 November but with a possibility that it was have to be delayed.