The government plans to set a maximum retail price for cigarettes in order to increase revenue and bridge the gap between the price charged by retailers and the printed price on the packet. Currently, customers pay Tk10 to Tk20 more than the printed price on the packet, resulting in a loss of revenue for the government. If taxes were collected based on the retail sales price, the government could have earned an additional Tk3,500 crore in revenue from the tobacco sector in the last nine months to March of the current fiscal year.
To prevent revenue losses, the government intends to set maximum retail prices for all segments of cigarettes. The proposed maximum retail price will be a round figure for a packet, and each stick will also be sold at a round figure. This move aims to protect consumers from extra prices and increase government revenues. Currently cigarettes are subject to a 65% supplementary duty, while low-segment cigarettes face a 57% supplementary duty, in addition to a 15% VAT. Overall tax incidence on premium, high and middle segments is 80%, while low-end cigarettes face a 72% levy. However, an anti-tobacco campaigner suggests that an equal rate of tax for all segments of cigarettes would discourage smoking, save public health, and earn more revenue for the government.