The cost of tobacco in Spain is rising once again this March, following an official update from the Spanish government. Despite a gradual decline in smoking rates, with 36.8% of the population reporting they had smoked in the past year according to a recent survey, tobacco remains a significant expense for many consumers. The latest price changes have been published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), affecting various brands and types of tobacco products.

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How Have Tobacco Prices Changed Over the Years?

Cigarette prices in Spain have steadily increased over time. In 1990, a pack cost around €0.61, rising to about €2.50 in the early 2000s. By 2025, most packs now cost around €4 and €5. This rise is mainly due to higher taxes and government measures aimed at discouraging smoking through price increases.

New Tobacco Prices in March 2025

The latest price update from the BOE, which took effect on March 8, 2025, includes new prices for cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco. Here are some examples:

Cigarettes (Per Pack)

• Denim Selected Blend (20 cigarettes per pack): €4.50 per pack

Premium Cigars (Per Unit)

• La Aurora Dominicana Robusto: €7.50 per cigar
• La Aurora Dominicana Short Robusto: €7.00 per cigar
• La Aurora Dominicana Toro: €7.90 per cigar
• Montecristo Edmundo Reserva Cosecha 2018: €185.00 per cigar

Mini Cigars & Budget Cigarettes (Per Unit)

• Signature Finos Beige: €0.25 per unit
• Signature Finos Blue: €0.25 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Beige: €0.24 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Blue: €0.24 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Red: €0.24 per unit
• Signature Finos Original: €0.25 per unit
• Signature Finos Red: €0.25 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Green: €0.24 per unit

Tobacco Prices in Ceuta and Melilla

The updated prices also apply to tobacco sold in Ceuta and Melilla:

Mini Cigars & Budget Cigarettes in Ceuta & Melilla (Per Unit)

• Signature Finos Filter Beige: €0.21 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Blue: €0.21 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Red: €0.21 per unit
• Signature Finos Filter Green: €0.21 per unit

Mini Cigars & Budget Cigarettes (Per Pack in Ceuta & Melilla)

• Signature Finos Beige (Pack of 20): €4.60 per pack
• Signature Finos Blue (Pack of 20): €4.60 per pack
• Signature Finos Original (Pack of 20): €4.60 per pack
• Signature Finos Red (Pack of 20): €4.60 per pack
• Signature Finos Filter Beige (Pack of 20): €4.00 per pack

These prices are now in effect at tobacconists across mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.

Why Are Tobacco Prices Rising?

The main reason for these price increases is higher taxes. Spain raises tobacco taxes to discourage smoking, particularly among young people, as part of its public health strategy. The Ministry of Health has long pushed for price hikes as a way to reduce smoking rates, arguing that higher costs make tobacco less accessible. However, the final decision on tax changes is made by the Ministry of Finance, which balances health concerns with economic factors, including tax revenue.

How Do Spanish Tobacco Prices Compare to Other Countries?

Even with these latest price hikes, Spain is still one of the more affordable countries in Europe for smokers. In Ireland, for instance, a pack of cigarettes costs around €13, while prices in France and Germany are also considerably higher. The key reason for this difference is taxation, Spain imposes lower taxes on tobacco compared to many other European nations, keeping retail prices relatively low despite recent increases.

What Comes Next for Tobacco Prices in Spain?

The government is still weighing the possibility of additional tax increases to further discourage smoking. While no new hikes beyond this March’s update have been officially confirmed, policy changes could be introduced at any time, so smokers should stay informed.

Whether this latest price increase will lead to a decline in smoking rates remains to be seen, but the trend of rising costs suggests that tobacco will only become more expensive in the future.

Main image: Pexels/lil artsy