Kyrgyzstan's cabinet has adopted a resolution at its regular meeting to set minimum retail prices for a range of tobacco and electronic tobacco products. "The cabinet made the decision based on Article 12 of the country's Law on the Protection of Tobacco Nicotine and the Effects of Smoking on the Health of Citizens in order to promote the health of Kyrgyz citizens and to reduce their smoking and consumption of nicotine-containing tobacco products," the press service of the Cabinet said.
The resolution states as follows:
1. Starting from January 1, 2023, 20 cigarettes (with and without filters) will cost a minimum of 100 soms.
2. From January 1, 2023, 20 heated tobacco products will cost a minimum of 100 som (about 8.64 yuan).
3. From 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, single-use e-cigarettes and nicotine liquids (vapes) will cost a minimum of 250 soms (about 21.6 yuan) and from 2024, a minimum of 300 soms (about 25.92 yuan) each.
4. From 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, electronic cigarettes and similar electronic smoking devices (devices) will be sold at a minimum price of 1,300 soms (about 112.32 yuan) and from 1 January 2024, at a minimum price of 1,400 soms (about 120.96 yuan).
It is worth noting that from January to September 2021, per capita disposable income in Kyrgyzstan was only 6,511.9 soms (562.82 yuan) per month, according to publicly available data.