Rabat – A new increase in cigarette prices is expected at tobacco outlets in Morocco at the start of 2026.
According to Le360, which cited concordant sources, the commission responsible for approving tobacco prices has finalized its report and submitted it to the Minister of Economy and Finance, paving the way for the publication of a ministerial decree in the Official Bulletin.
Operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the commission meets twice a year to set retail tobacco prices on the Moroccan market.
Le360 reports that the forthcoming decree could introduce price hikes of up to MAD 2 ($0.20) per pack for the most widely consumed Moroccan cigarette brands, particularly those in the so-called “popular” segment.
Brands such as Marquise, Casa, and Fortuna are expected to be directly affected, while Gauloises could see a more limited adjustment.
Premium cigarette brands, however, are not expected to be impacted at this stage, according to the same source.
The measure forms part of the government’s gradual reform of tobacco taxation, which aims to reduce price disparities between different categories of cigarettes while strengthening state revenues.
Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, the increase is likely to affect lower-income consumers most, as they represent the main users of popular cigarette brands.
It also reflects the authorities’ intent to regulate the tobacco market more closely and control price developments over the long term.
The 2022 finance law introduced a progressive overhaul of the Internal Consumption Tax (TIC) for the 2022-2026 period.
As part of this roadmap, the specific component of the TIC is set to rise from MAD 100 ($10) in 2022 to MAD 550 ($55) by 2026.
Over the same period, the minimum tax levy on 1,000 cigarettes is expected to increase from MAD 710.2 ($71) to MAD 953 ($95), reinforcing upward pressure on retail prices across the market.
