Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The issue of increasing the prices of cigarettes has long been discussed in Azerbaijan. In late December 2014, the parliament approved amendments to the Tax Code on the increase of the share of tax for tobacco and tobacco products.

However, no measure was adopted in this regard for a while. Finally, this issue found its solution, as the Cabinet of Ministers approved the new rates of excise duties on alcoholic beverages, tobacco and oil products imported into the country.

The new rates will come into force from March 1, 2015.

The excise rate on malt beer imported to Azerbaijan will be one manat per liter (previously - $1); wines from fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must - two manats per liter (previously - $2.5); sparkling wines - 2.5 manats per liter; whiskey, vodka, liqueur, rum and other beverages - six manats per liter (previously - $6).

The excise rate on imported cigarettes, cigarillos will be four manats per 1,000 pieces; cigars - 10 manats per 1,000 pieces (previously - $1.8 per 1,000 pieces).

Based on the decision, the excise tax on the aviation fuel imported to the country will be 1 manats per one metric ton (earlier $1); motor gasoline, (except aviation fuel) with a lead content of no more than 0.013 g/l and an octane rating of up to 95 - 200 manats per metric ton (previously $250); motor gasoline (except aviation fuel) with a lead content of no more than 0.013 g/l and octane rating of 98 and more – 120 manats per metric ton (earlier $250); middle distillates for specific refining processes - 80 manats per metric ton (earlier $100).

Moreover, under the decision of the cabinet of ministers, the excise rate on the aviation fuel will be 1 manats per one metric ton; special gasoline types, white spirit - 1 manats per one metric ton (earlier $1); natural gas – 1 manats per one metric ton; lubricants – 1 manats per one metric ton (earlier $1); petroleum jelly – 10 manats per one metric ton (earlier $10); gasoil – 80 manats per one metric ton (earlier $100); petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other products from refining of oil and petroleum products, as well as those produced from bituminous minerals – 24 manats per one metric ton (earlier $30); liquid fuel – 1 manats per one metric ton, other petroleum products – 50 manats per one metric ton.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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