Nepal levies least tax on tobacco in Asia, Contributing to thousands of tobacco-related deaths each year

KATHMANDU, April 9: Nepal is among the countries in Asia that levy the least tax on tobacco products, according to recent statistics. The Nepal government has imposed a tax of only 41 percent on tobacco products, while other neighboring countries have imposed higher taxes. For instance, India has a tax rate of 53 percent, Pakistan has 61 percent, Bangladesh has 73 percent, and Sri Lanka has the highest tax rate of 77 percent.

However, the low tax rate on tobacco products in Nepal has led to severe consequences. According to the statistics, four people die due to tobacco consumption every day in Nepal, which translates to 37,523 people dying each year. These deaths occur due to various illnesses and diseases caused by tobacco consumption, such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other respiratory diseases.