Bad news for smokers: starting today, another blow, cigarettes even more expensive.

Starting today, Italian smokers will have to deal with a new increase in the prices of cigarettes and tobacco. The update of the price lists, communicated by the Customs and Monopolies Agency, concerns several brands available in tobacco shops and represents yet another upward adjustment since the beginning of the year.

This is in fact the third increase in a few months, following those already implemented between January and February. The measure is part of the strategy outlined in the 2026 Budget Law, which introduced a progressive increase in taxation on tobacco products.

How much cigarette prices are increasing

The increases are not the same for all brands, but in many cases they range between 10 and 12 cents per pack. Among the most cited examples: Lucky Strike (soft pack): the price will rise to 5.50 euros; MS Classiche will reach 5.80 euros; increases also for widely distributed brands such as Rothmans, Vogue, and Dunhill, in various formats; increases are also expected for cigarettes and cut tobacco from the MS, Lucky Strike, and Rothmans brands.

Increases also for cut tobacco and small cigars

The price revision does not only concern traditional cigarettes. The update of the price lists also affects cut tobacco for do-it-yourself cigarettes, small cigars, and other smoking products, which will undergo similar adjustments in the coming weeks.

The reason for the price increases

The increase is based on the rise in excise duties on tobacco, established by the financial maneuver. The specific tax on cigarettes rose in 2026 from 29.5 euros to 32 euros per thousand cigarettes, with further increases planned until 2028.

According to government estimates, the measure is expected to ensure hundreds of millions of euros in additional revenue for public coffers, as well as contributing - at least in intention - to discouraging tobacco consumption through higher prices.

Impact on tobacconists and consumers

For retailers, the price adjustment will be immediate: once the computer systems of the official distributors are updated, the new price lists will automatically come into effect in the tobacco shops.

For Italian smokers, however, the result is clear: another small increase that adds to those of previous months, marking a trend that is set to continue in the coming years.