Cigarette price not likely to increase this year

Cigarette price is not likely to increase this year, Health and Welfare Minister Jin Young said a meeting with the media Wednesday.

“Considering the current economic conditions, it does not appear to be appropriate to increase prices of cigarettes,” he said. As a result, the average of a pack of cigarettes is expected to remain at around 2,500 won ($2.2).

Jin had said in meetings with related personnel that proper discussions will be held with related parties to determine the appropriate rate of of increase of cigarette prices.