“Luxembourg is exporting cancer”

(CH) In France, tobacco prices are about to rise again by 12 percent, meaning the price gap between Luxembourg and France is about to become wider than ever before.

It is therefore expected that many more French will buy their tobacco products in the Grand-Duchy. A clear signal for the Luxembourg Cancer Foundation: “Luxembourg is exporting cancer”.

The Foundation explained in a recent newsletter that “the price difference between a pack of cigarettes in Luxembourg and France has never been so great”. Starting October, the French government will demand an additional 6 percent and by the end of the year another 6 percent. A pack in France will therefore cost 6.50€, around two euros more expensive than in Luxembourg.

“Smoker's paradise” image

For the Cancer Foundation it is evident that “a much larger number of commuters will buy their cigarettes in the Grand-Duchy”. According to a director of Aral petrol stations, this means an increase in the catchment area for tobacco customers from 50km radius to 80km.

This heightens the bad image of Luxembourg and the greater region which is why the foundation has demanded for many years that the price of cigarettes in Luxembourg should be drastically increased. This would not only improve the country's “smoker's paradise” image but, more importantly prevent the misuse of tobacco among adolescents.

According to the World Bank, an increase of 10 percent in tobacco prices would already result in 6 percent less consumption for young people.