Home GCC Oman Oman increases cigarette prices The country’s tobacco tax has been doubled by Robert Anderson September 20, 2016 Oman has increased its tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products for the first time in 17 years resulting in price rises, according to reports. Dr Jawad Al Lawati, senior consultant and rapporteur of the National Tobacco Control Committee at the Ministry of Health, told Times of Oman that the country’s tobacco tax had increased by 20 per cent, to 40 per cent. Prices were last raised in 1999, according to the official. Figures from the ministry show that 15 per cent of Oman’s male population uses tobacco products and 0.5 per cent of its female population, he said. The taxes come as the Omani government seeks to raise additional revenues through cuts to subsidies and increased fees for government services after posting a $9.1bn budget deficit in the first half of the year. Read: Oman budget deficit widens in H1 as low oil prices hit revenues GCC governments are also considering a proposal to raise tobacco tariffs across the region. Read: GCC governments look to tobacco tax as low oil prices bite 0 Comments