Tobacco prices set to rise in Bulgaria due to excise hike

Bulgarian consumers will face higher prices for all tobacco items starting next year as excise taxes rise under the proposed national budget. This adjustment affects conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco sticks, and e-liquids regardless of nicotine content, aligning with a multiyear strategy to match European Union average tax levels. Bulgaria previously maintained notably low rates, particularly for newer tobacco alternatives.

Excise duties for cigarettes will climb to 113 euros per thousand units, adding roughly 30 stotinki to a standard pack after value-added tax. Heated tobacco taxes increase by 10 euros per kilogram, raising pack prices about 15 stotinki. E-liquid taxes rise to 0.25 euros per milliliter, increasing a typical two-milliliter cartridge price by 10 stotinki. Cigars, cigarillos, and loose tobacco also see higher levies. Existing inventory with old tax labels will sell at prior prices until depleted. Officials project these changes will generate approximately 156 million euros in combined excise and value-added tax revenue annually.