Cigarette Prices Rise in Egypt Ahead of Eid Al-Adha

Prices of several local and imported cigarette brands in Egypt rose sharply ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday, as increased consumer demand and temporary distribution slowdowns triggered supply pressures across retail markets.

A market survey conducted across Cairo districts including Mohandessin, Abbassia, and Ain Shams found noticeable price disparities between neighborhoods, with kiosk owners and tobacco retailers reporting shortages in some of the most popular cigarette brands.

Retailers said the price increases were driven by a combination of stronger seasonal demand and the suspension of operations by some distributors during the holiday break, tightening available supply in local markets.

According to merchants, imported brands such as Captain Black, Shamlan, HP, and Marlboro recorded the largest increases over the past two days, while prices for other products including LM, Winston, Gold Coast, and Camel remained broadly stable.

Alaa Ahmed, a kiosk owner in Abbassia, said prices for Captain Black cigarettes climbed to between 55 and 60 Egyptian pounds per pack, up from around 40 pounds previously.

He added that Shamlan cigarettes rose to between 50 and 55 pounds per pack from roughly 40 pounds, while HP products increased to between 35 and 40 pounds compared with around 30 pounds before the latest surge.

Marlboro cigarettes also posted smaller gains, with prices rising to between 110 and 115 pounds per pack, versus approximately 105 pounds previously.

Meanwhile, prices for LM cigarettes remained relatively stable at between 90 and 95 pounds per pack, while Gold Coast held near 50 pounds and Camel remained around 80 pounds.

Kamal El-Sayed, a tobacco retailer in Ain Shams, said regional price differences tend to widen during holiday seasons as retailers face varying wholesale costs and supply conditions.

“The final selling price depends largely on how much traders pay distributors and the availability of stock in each area,” he said.

He added that some shop owners have been forced to raise prices modestly to offset higher procurement costs and reduced deliveries, particularly as some distributors suspend operations during Eid holidays.

Prices for flavored molasses tobacco products remained relatively stable, according to traders. Traditional molasses tobacco was selling for between 30 and 50 pounds per quarter-kilogram, while fruit and apple-flavored varieties averaged around 50 pounds.

Retailers expect price volatility to persist until after the Eid holiday, when normal distribution activity resumes and supply chains stabilize.