Else Beekman
It’s official: from this Saturday, you’ll once again pay more for your favourite cigarette brand in Spain. The Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) has just published the new tobacco prices, marking yet another rise in the cost of smoking products.
This affects not only daily smokers but also tourists accustomed to stocking up on affordable cigarettes or cigars to take back home. But how long will Spain remain smoker-friendly?
From daily luxury to financial headache
“My daily pack of Ducados has practically become a luxury item,” sighs José Antonio, owner of a small café in central Seville. “With the new prices, I’m spending almost as much on cigarettes as I do on my internet and phone bills.”
José Antonio is not alone. A pack of Ducados Red Extra now costs €4.85, while popular brands like Gauloises Rubio Azul and Gauloises Rubio Rojo have risen to €5.60 per pack. Premium cigarette smokers, such as those who prefer R1, now pay up to €6.30 per pack.
Overview of new tobacco prices in Spain (March 2025):
Cigarettes:
- Ducados Red Extra (20): €4.85
- Ducados Rubio Extra 22 (22): €5.35
- Gauloises Rubio Amarillo, Azul, Rojo: €5.60
- News&Co Rouge 100s 20: €4.80
- R1 Azul/Rojo: €6.30
Cigars and Cigarrillos:
- Alec Bradley Bl Market Shamrock Toro (10): €14.20
- Alec Bradley Chunk Maduro XL 4×60 (20): €8.50
- Alec Bradley Fine and Rare 2024 (10): €23.00
- Azan Burgundy Petit Corona Tubo (10): €3.50
- Azan Burgundy Robusto (20): €2.80
- Azan Burgundy Robusto Tubo (10): €3.60
- Cao Cameroon Robusto (20): €6.50
- Nicatabaco Blend No 2 Robusto Bundle (20): €2.00
- Nicatabaco Blend No 2 Toro Bundle (20): €2.20
- Padrino Maduro Serie 1 Cañonazo (25): €14.90
- Padrino Maduro Serie 1 Half Corona (25): €5.85
- Padrino Maduro Serie 1 Robusto (25): €11.95
- Padrino Maduro Serie 1 Short Robusto (25): €9.90
- RD Baracoa Box Press Robusto (20): €2.30
- RD Baracoa Box Press Torpedo (20): €2.40
- Rosalones Auténticos 446 C25 (25): €3.65
- Silencio Riviera Perfecto (10): €18.00
- Silencio Riviera Robusto (20): €13.00
Rolo tobacco:
- Caja (20): €5.00
- Lata (20): €5.50
- Na Seda (20): €4.50
- Terra Tabak (20): €4.70
Rolling and pipe Tobacco:
- Riverstone 10×50 (50 g): €9.95
- Afendi (all varieties, 950 g): €75.00
- Baraka 150 g Pipe Tobacco (150 g): €11.10
- Eastenders Original Blend (100 g): €8.20
- Nameless #007 Gold Finger (50 g): €4.80
Health priority or economic pain?
Health authorities such as Medicina de Familia and the Ministry of Health consider this price increase essential to discourage smoking. Experts even suggest raising the price of a cigarette pack to €12 as part of an ambitious anti-smoking policy.
However, not everyone is convinced. “A higher price only deters those who genuinely can’t afford it,” economist María López told the newspaper Heraldo. “For those who can pay, little changes, while vulnerable households bear the brunt.”
Are vapes the solution? Not according to new research
Alternatives such as vaping are proving not to be a safe escape either. Recent British research shows that vaping can be at least as harmful as traditional smoking, with increased risks of heart disease and even dementia. Thus, the myth of a ‘safer’ alternative evaporates.
Also read: Stricter restrictions on smoking in Spain and other consumer trends for 2025