The morning habits of hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians will undergo a serious change this spring. Coffee has already become significantly more expensive, and from April 1, cigarettes will also have new, higher prices, with a pack likely to exceed the psychological limit of 10 leva.
Caffeine lovers are already feeling the hit in their pockets, as coffee on the world market has become more expensive by as much as 80%. According to Dr. Gergana Geshanova, chairwoman of the "Smoke Free" coalition, we are also expecting a serious increase in the prices of tobacco products.
"Serious increases are planned, especially for us Bulgarians, because we have the lowest prices and the lowest excise taxes. "Somewhere by 2-3 leva the prices of cigarettes will increase, which is certainly a reality in the nearest future," explains Dr. Geshanova.
The popular "Balkan breakfast" - coffee with a cigarette, is gradually becoming a much more expensive pleasure. Now just a disposable cup of coffee costs 20 stotinki. And the planned increase in the price of cigarettes by about 2.40 leva from April 1, planned by the European Commission, will make this combination even more inaccessible to many people.
David, who drinks coffee and smokes cigarettes daily, says that he has no intention of giving up this habit: "If a person has a busy enough daily life, he will understand me - this is the reason why I smoke and do not give up cigarettes. I can't help but smoke, and I don't want to, so I'm fine."
Experts believe that the drastic increase in prices can also have a positive effect on public health.
"When a person is addicted, they will do anything. But on the other hand, world experience shows that higher prices are the most effective method for people to quit. Especially for the little ones, children, and young people. Who have access to cigarettes anyway. For them, this will be a barrier. And for many people with financial problems, they may think - what should I buy? Bread, bananas, or cigarettes?", points out Dr. Geshanova.
This European Union policy aims to address the gloomy statistics in which Bulgaria occupies leading positions.
"Bulgaria is in first place in smoking, as well as in first place in mortality related to smoking. Our young people smoke a lot, especially girls. They want to stand out and show how valuable, independent and great they are," emphasizes the chairman of the "Smoke-Free" coalition.
More and more minors are visiting Dr. Geshanova's office, already addicted to smoking and seeking help in the fight against their addiction.
Meanwhile, for those looking for alternatives to the classic "Balkan breakfast", an unusual solution has appeared in the city of Burgas - a vending machine that, in addition to coffee, also offers a little whiskey for only 90 stotinki, becoming a real hit among consumers.