Cigarette prices to double from April

Come April, prices of cigarettes will almost double across board as Oman is to impose selective tax as part of revitalising non-oil revenues, in concurrence with other GCC countries, it is learnt.

Accordingly, smokers will have to shell out few more baisas for their favourite brands, lest seriously mull over stubbing the final butt for monetary sake if not for health reasons.

“We were advised that prices of premium brands of cigarettes will be higher as a new tax on certain commodities such as tobacco, alcohol and others is currently under way. The rise is supposed to be almost double for certain brands,” a representative of a leading cigarette agency said.

Last year too, prices of most of the brands had shot up by 100 to 150 baisas, as is experienced in most of the shops which sell cigarettes.

Accordingly, any cigarette pack sold at 700 baisas was sold at 900 baisas, while others too saw an increase of 200 baisas.

The measures as per the decisions issued by government units concerned are expected to improve and raise the contribution of non-oil revenues such as amending Income Tax Law that is expected to be issued this year.

The implications of amendment are, therefore, incorporated in the budget.

Besides introducing selective tax on luxury commodities including tobacco, alcohol and others, the Sultanate has also announced amending the fee for licences to bring foreign workers, amending some fee for civil services such not