Tobacco.org

UPDATE 3-Japan Tobacco says cigarette price hike an option 

Japan Tobacco Inc, the world's No. 3 tobacco maker, said it may raise the price of domestic cigarettes -- its first non-tax linked hike in 15 years -- to help offset nine straight years of a shrinking market.

The increase would come on top of rises in everything from gasoline to beer and noodles that have already burdened consumers in the world's second-largest economy.

Japan Tobacco, which is half-owned by the Japanese government, has seen costs rise even as it grapples with an ageing population and widening health consciousness that have reduced the ranks of smokers.

Jump to full article »