New tax kicks in, making cigarettes, energy drinks and carbonated soda costlier

Qatar’s Finance Ministry had recently announced that it would introduce new taxes to curb the use of specific food and other products that have a negative impact on one’s health.

According to the decision, cigarettes, as well as energy drinks, would be levied with a 100% excise tax, while carbonated beverages would cost 50% more. Later, it was revealed that alcohol in the country would also cost 100% more.

The new tax regime came into effect yesterday, increasing the retail price of the articles in question. Shopkeepers have started selling these items at the new rates, reported Gulf Times.

Now, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes that used to sell for QR11 costs QR22. The price of a box of Pall Mall increased from QR5 to QR10, reported the Gulf Times.

“Most of my customers who’re smokers have been complaining of the high prices but what could we do? These are new prices sanctioned by the government, and there’s nothing we could do but to comply with the new policy,” a Doha-based store owner told the newspaper.

Many people welcomed the move to introduce the new tax, saying it would help in curbing bad habits. However, others expressed reservations.

“This decision will help people get rid of bad and unhealthy habits such as smoking. Now, the rise in prices will make it harder for those who’re just starting to smoke,” Mohammed Bayram, a Tunisian expatriate, was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

“I always wanted to quit smoking, but I needed a good start. After hearing the news about this decision, I’ve quit smoking,” said Amer Darraoui, another resident.

According to the new prices, a 250ml can of Red Bull energy drink now costs QR9.50, up from QR4.75 before the increase. The 355ml can sell for QR14 (QR7 earlier).

The 500ml Monster energy drink and the Monster Khaos Drink used to sell for QR11.25 but now cost QR22.50. The price of a 355ml Power Horse energy drink has jumped from QR5.75 to QR11.50, reported Gulf Times.

Carbonated sodas have also grown dearer. A 355ml can of Mountain Dew and Pepsi that used to be sold at QR1.50 now costs QR2.25. A 500ml bottle of Sprite now costs QR2.75 (earlier QR1.75).

Similarly, the price of a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola has gone up from QR2 to QR3.

The 7UP 150ml can and Fanta Orange 150ml can, as well as the Coca-Cola Light 150ml can and Mirinda Orange 150ml can used to sell for QR1.25 and now cost QR2, while the Coca-Cola 355ml aluminium bottle is now at QR10.25 (QR6.75).