Smokers across Europe may soon see a sharp rise in cigarette prices if the European Commission moves forward with its plans to revise the directive governing tobacco taxation.

According to a proposal discussed at last week’s EU Finance Ministers’ Council, the excise duty on cigarettes would rise by a staggering 139% starting in 2028, climbing to 215 euros per 1,000 cigarettes from the current 90 euros.

For consumers, that could mean the price of a standard 20-pack in Greece — now around 4.60 euros — could surge to 7 euros or more, unless tobacco companies absorb part of the tax increase. Currently, taxes account for about 81% of the retail price, or roughly 3.74 euros per pack.

The proposed increases wouldn’t stop at traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco products would see their minimum excise duty rise from 88 to 155 euros per 1,000 units, while e-liquid for e-cigarettes would jump from 0.10 to 0.36 euros per milliliter.

The Commission cites public health and the need to modernize a 15-year-old framework, but the reform is also viewed as a bid to raise EU revenue through higher tobacco taxes.

Under EU law, cigarette excise duty must be at least 60% of the average retail price and no less than 90 euros per 1,000 cigarettes. In practice, all member states exceed these minimums—countries like Ireland, France, and the Netherlands impose much higher rates but still struggle with tobacco smuggling.

Greece, despite several tax revisions in recent years, remains just above the EU minimum, at 117.50 euros per 1,000 cigarettes, generating over 2.3 billion euros annually in government revenue, according to European Commission data.

At last week’s ECOFIN meeting, Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis urged a longer transition period to avoid market shocks and protect consumers, warning that steep tax hikes could boost illicit trade and smuggling.