Smoking is about to become more expensive after a tobacco tax increase was announced in the latest budget.
The Chancellor confirmed in his budget this afternoon that price hikes for tobacco tax would begin at 6pm today, with duty rates on cigarettes increasing by the rate of RPI inflation plus 2%.
This means that the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes will increase by 88p, setting the overall new price of a pack of cigs at a whopping £13.60.
READ MORE: Budget 2021: 10 things you need to know from Chancellor's speech
Rolling tobacco is also seeing a significant increase, as hand-rolling tobacco will increase by RPI inflation plus 6%.
This means that the average pricing for a 30g bag of tobacco will rise by 89p from £8.14 to £9.02
Tobacco tax tends to rise when the budget is set, but it was left out earlier this year when the Spring budget was announced.
In 2020, however, the price was hiked up twice with cigarettes going up a total of 49p and rolling tobacco increasing by 65p.
The price changes on cigarettes always come into play at 6pm on the day of the budget announcement to try and stop people from bulk buying at the cheaper price.
Government officials say the purpose of the taxes is to encourage people to quit smoking.
The budget also set out changes for the stronger drinks prices.
The prices for whiskey and vodka are flying high as Sunak stated: ""The stronger the drink, the higher the rate."
However, if you just fancy a pint or a prosecco the prices of weaker alcohol is actually coming down.
The Chancellor also announced a new tax relief for pubs, who will pay less tax on draught beer and cider.
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