Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said they want healthy and productive Fijians after he announced in 2017/2018 National Budget that excise tax on cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol will increase by 15%.
The excise tax on sweetened and carbonated drinks will also increase by 15% rising from 30cents per litre to 35cents per litre.
He says the government will consider after the 2018/2019 financial year whether it will continue to increase excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol as well as sweetened and carbonated drinks by 15% or not.
The government had planned last year that they would continue with the rate of 15% for 3 years.
Sayed-Khaiyum says it is important for people to realise that these items are sin goods.
The Consumer Council of Fiji and Health Ministry have welcomed the increase in taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol as well as sweetened and carbonated drinks by 15%.
