Analysis Finds Ambitious Tobacco Taxes Can Shift Prices and Consumption
The strongest reforms combined substantial increases, simpler structures and protection against inflation.
A new analysis of 15 emerging economies found universal improvement in cigarette taxation between 2009 and 2025, although outcomes varied widely. WHO highlighted substantial and regular increases, simpler tax structures, specific excise duties and automatic adjustments for inflation and income growth as recurring features of stronger policy.
The Philippines recorded an estimated 638 percent real increase in the price of its most-sold cigarette brand between 2008 and 2024, while smoking prevalence declined by roughly one third from 2010 to 2025. The country also directed tobacco-tax revenue toward universal health coverage. WHO says modest, irregular increases may be absorbed by inflation or industry pricing strategies.
Source: World Health Organization, 2026-09-30.
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Vocabulary
- Policy
- an official plan or set of rules
- Increase
- to become or make something larger in amount
- Source
- the person, organization, or document that provides information
Comprehension
What happened in this story, and why does it matter?
Answer guide
The strongest reforms combined substantial increases, simpler structures and protection against inflation. Add one supporting fact from the article.
Quick check
Which sentence best describes this story?
- WHO says more countries support older people, but funding, data and access remain uneven.
- The strongest reforms combined substantial increases, simpler structures and protection against inflation.
- The guidance says planning, water, cooling and on-site care can prevent many illnesses.
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The best answer is B.
Grammar focus: Careful reporting
Notice words such as “may,” “could,” “suggests,” and “preliminary.” They show that a claim has limits or uncertainty.