Bulgaria cigarette prices rise following excise tax increase

Cigarette prices in Bulgaria are beginning to rise following an increase in the minimum excise tax. While the tax hike officially took effect on August 1, the impact on retail prices has been gradual as retailers exhaust existing stock bearing old tax stamps.

As old inventories are depleted, stores are replenishing with new batches featuring the updated stamps and higher costs. According to the 2026 State Budget Law, the minimum excise tax rose from 113.51 euros to 120 euros per 1,000 sticks. This represents an increase of approximately 13 cents per standard 20-cigarette pack, which can reach about 16 cents once VAT is included. The exact final price increase varies depending on the specific brand, manufacturer, and retail policy.

This is the second excise tax increase this year. The law outlines further scheduled increases: the rate is set to rise to 126 euros per 1,000 sticks by March 1, 2027, and to 132 euros by January 1, 2028, as part of a phased approach to tobacco taxation.