Tax Hike To Deter Smokers

risingnepaldaily.com · 1 day ago

Experts are advocating for a 55 percent increase in cigarette excise duty in Nepal's upcoming budget to deter tobacco consumption and boost government revenue. Tobacco use causes over 27,000 deaths annually in Nepal and incurs significant healthcare costs. While tobacco taxation is a key intervention for public health and revenue generation, Nepal's current rates are the lowest in South Asia, impacting low-income groups disproportionately.