Smoking costs more money soon. The Bundes-Tag decides a new tax. The tax rises in small steps. This starts next year and ends in 2030.
Today a pack costs about 8 euros. In 2030 a pack costs nearly 12 euros. Also loose tobacco and e-cigarettes get more expensive. The government wants to fill gaps in the Haushalt.
Politicians have a second reason. They want to protect the health of all people. Every year many people die because of smoking. High prices help people to stop smoking.
The tobacco industry hates this decision. They warn about illegal sales. Many people buy cigarettes on the Schwarz-Markt. Or they buy cheap cigarettes in other countries.
