Tobacco remains relatively cheap in Egypt in 2026 due to a combination of low government excise taxes and a massive local production monopoly. The Eastern Tobacco Company (ETC), which was a long-time state-owned monopoly, produces the vast majority of local cigarettes (like the "Cleopatra" brand) at very low costs. While the Egyptian government has been steadily increasing taxes to boost revenue and improve public health, the "base price" of a pack remains significantly lower than in Europe or North America because of lower labor costs and regional economic subsidies. Additionally, there is a large market for "informal" or smuggled tobacco that bypasses official duties, keeping street prices competitive. For 2026 visitors, it is important to note that while prices are low, the government is introducing stricter "public smoking bans" in tourist areas, and the health warnings on packaging have become significantly more graphic to combat high local smoking rates.