Starting in March, tobacco prices in France are set to rise as part of ongoing public health and fiscal strategies. While some brands like Camel and Winston will see price reductions, others such as Maya cigarettes will increase. Overall, the trend indicates that most cigarette packs now exceed 12 euros, with certain brands nearing 14 euros, reflecting a significant surge in costs since January 2025, raising concerns among consumers about affordability.
Changes in Tobacco Prices Starting March
As we welcome the month of March, numerous changes are on the horizon, and this month is no exception! On March 1st, adjustments to the RSA and the activity bonus will take place, but that’s not all. Since January 2025, tobacco prices across France have experienced notable hikes that have impacted most brands. Within just two months, some cigarette packs have surpassed the 13 euros threshold, specifically Dunhill Red and Gauloises Blonde Blue, both seeing increases between 20 to 30 cents.
Regrettably, March continues this trend with price hikes for various tobacco brands. This pricing strategy is primarily driven by public health initiatives and the need for fiscal revenue. Beginning in 2023, the government initiated an anti-tobacco strategy aimed at increasing the cost of tobacco packs, linking these price changes to the inflation rates from the previous year. In light of the significant price rises in recent months, some cigarette manufacturers have announced reductions starting March 1st. Here’s a closer look.
Price Cuts on Selected Cigarette Brands
Currently, around 80% of the cost of a cigarette pack is attributed to taxes, limiting the flexibility for manufacturers. However, they have the option to absorb some of these tax hikes to modify their pricing. This is why certain brands will see price reductions in March, while others adhere to the overall increasing trend.
The primary brands benefiting from these price cuts include Camel and Winston, two dominant figures in the French tobacco landscape. Effective March 1st, Camel Filters No.1 and Camel Filters 100’s No.1 will drop in price from 10.60 euros to 10.40 euros. The same reduction applies to Winston Blue No.1 and Winston Red No.1. Other brands such as The King Filters, Corset Mauve, and Corset Ice will also see their prices reduced to 10.40 euros. These adjustments reflect a strategic commercial realignment among certain cigarette manufacturers.
While some brands are experiencing price reductions, others will face increases starting March 1st. This includes Maya Blue Spirit and Maya Original Spirit cigarettes, which will rise from 11.00 euros to 11.20 euros. Although this increase is modest, it compounds the price hikes observed in February across various brands. Notable increases in January and February 2025 impacted Dunhill Red, Blue, and Silver (up by 30 cents), Gauloises Blonde White, Blue, and Blue 100S (up by 20 cents), and Fortuna Blue (up by 20 cents), pushing the average price of a pack above 12 euros. Such consecutive increases have sparked concerns among smokers about the ever-growing cost of tobacco.
While the price reductions for certain packs may be a relief for some smokers, it’s crucial not to overlook the overarching trend: tobacco prices in France are on a long-term upward trajectory. Currently, most packs from brands like Lucky Strike, Rothmans, Vogue, and Pall Mall are priced above 12 euros, whereas Dunhill is nearing the 14 euro mark, with prices at 13.50 euros for Dunhill Blue and 13.60 euros for Dunhill Red Select.