Saudis slap high tax on cigarettes

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest cigarette importers, has raised its tax on tobacco to 100 percent in an effort to curb smoking.

Economy and Finance Minister Ibrahim Al Assaf said on July 7 that the increase came into force on July 1. The official SPA news agency reported last week that the kingdom had increased the tobacco tax from 50 to 70 percent, a move in line with other Gulf states including Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

Qatar said on July 6 it had boosted the tobacco tax by 70 percent to curb smoking. Saudi Arabia ranks fourth amongst tobacco importers, with 47 m cigarettes arriving each day.