Cost of cigarettes hits the roof

By Johnny Murray

Cigarette prices rise yet again (Image: Getty Images)

The price of cigarettes is on the up again, with a pack set to cost £16.

It was just a year ago that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced there would be a 12 percent increase on packs of cigarettes, equalling out at around £1.55. 

This comes as part of prime minister Rishi Sunak’s ongoing increased tough stance on smoking. The increase is set to be confirmed on March 6th in the spring budget.

Last year Sunak unveiled plans to ban smoking for the next generation by increasing the age limit young people would be allowed to buy cigarettes by a year every year. This goes hand in hand with his plans to ban disposable vapes given the epidemic of use among young people in the UK. A tax on vape liquids will also be included in the budget.

Callum Little, a student at Strathclyde University, said: “I think it’s very unfair given the state of the rising costs as they are. The raises don’t match inflation so it’s just to price people out. If it’s such a problem, why don’t they just make it illegal.”  

The pricing of Cigarettes are discouraging the public (Image: Getty Images)

The UK is one of the most expensive places in Europe to buy cigarettes. An average pack works out at around £16 with the new increase, while 20 cigarettes in the Netherlands costs around £7 and as little as £6.80 in Germany. 

Aaron Lyle, a student at City of Glasgow College said: “It’s brutal, you go away on your holidays and it’s about half the price, you come home and it’s just extortionate.”