Cuba is going through rough times. Recently the price of petrol went up by 500% overnight, sugar is almost impossible to find on the island that was renowned for its sugar cane, and now the prices of local cigars are going up, too.

As reported by Prensa Latina, a state-operated media outlet, prices for domestically consumed cigars and cigarettes in Cuba have undergone an increase. It’s important to note that these are distinct from the globally distributed Cuban cigars and are exclusively available within Cuba for its citizens.

According to the report, brands such as Criollo, Titanes, and Popular will now be priced at 30 CUP ($1.25) per pack of 20. H. Upmann Clásico, a short cigar available with or without filters, will be priced at 50 CUP ($2.08), while Popular Auténtico will cost 60 CUP ($2.50).

Crafted from Cuban black tobacco, these cigars are colloquially referred to as “peso sticks” owing to their affordable pricing. They are typically retailed in stores frequented by Cuban citizens, establishments offering essential items and groceries, and are not commonly found in outlets selling premium cigar brands from Habanos S.A.
The price hike is attributed to both escalating manufacturing expenses and the government’s imperative to bolster state revenue for budgetary needs, as outlined in the report.