Indonesia's Cigarette Prices Among the 10 Cheapest Globally

Governments in several countries intentionally implement strict regulations to curb cigarette consumption among their citizens. One such measure is the implementation of high cigarette excise taxes.

However, not all countries impose high cigarette excise taxes. According to Numbeo data, Indonesia is among the 10 countries with the cheapest cigarette prices (Marlboro, 20-stick pack) globally.

Besides Indonesia, most of the countries with the cheapest cigarettes are developing nations. Below are the 10 countries with the cheapest cigarette prices as of September 2021.

1. Nigeria - US$ 0.97 or Rp 13,900 (exchange rate Rp 14,330/US$)
2. Kazakhstan - US$ 1.18 or Rp 16,908
3. Vietnam - US$ 1.32 or Rp 18,914
4. Pakistan - US$ 1.47 or Rp 21,064
5. Armenia - US$ 1.55 or Rp 22,210
6. Belarus - US$ 1.60 or Rp 22,927
7. Uzbekistan - US$ 1.69 or Rp 24,216
8. Paraguay - US$ 1.75 or Rp 25,076
9. Ghana - US$ 1.82 or Rp 26,079
10. Indonesia - US$ 1.96 or Rp 28,085

The relatively low price of cigarettes in Indonesia contributes to the prevalence of smoking. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) recorded that 23.21% of the population aged five and above smoked in 2020.

To reduce the prevalence of smoking domestically, the government increased cigarette excise taxes by 23% the previous year. Cigarette excise taxes were further increased by 12.5% in 2021.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani indicated that cigarette excise taxes will likely increase again next year. However, she has not yet specified the amount of the increase.