In coming weeks, the government should discuss an amendment to the excise tax bill that calls for more cigarette tax increases in the Czech Republic as of January 2005 and January 2006, the MFDnes daily reports. According to ministry officials, the tax hike would increase cigarette retail prices by approx. 11-12% annually (as regards the top domestic brand Petra – a PM CR brand), unless producers decide to cut into their margins.
The tax hikes are broadly expected in coming years.
Jan Hajek