Why shisha tobacco costs more this October: the 2026 duty rise explained

In short: on 1 October 2026, UK duty on shisha tobacco went up from £193.87 to £248.07 per kilo. On a 250g tin that's about £13.55 more duty, and VAT is charged on top of that. That's why shisha tobacco prices went up across the UK this month.

Which tax applies to shisha?

HMRC treats shisha as "other smoking tobacco": tobacco mixed with molasses, fruit and glycerine, made to be smoked in a water pipe. According to HMRC's guidance, the same category also covers herbal shisha that contains no tobacco.

What changed, and when

The figures are duty only, before VAT. A 50g pack now carries £12.40 of duty.

Why such a big jump?

Two things happened at once on 1 October 2026:

1. The yearly rise. Tobacco duty normally goes up every year by inflation (the Retail Prices Index) plus 2%. This time that added about 5%.
2. A one-off extra rise. The government added an extra £2.20 for every 50g on tobacco products other than cigarettes, which works out at £44 per kilo. That's the bigger part of this year's increase.

Together, the duty on a 250g tin went up by £13.55. With 20% VAT on top, that's about £16 more on the shelf price, before any change in the shop's own price.

What it means for you

• Prices went up across the UK, not just at one shop. All UK-sold shisha tobacco pays the same duty.
• Be wary of prices that look too good to be true. Shisha tobacco sold well below the market price may not have had UK duty paid.

Duty applies to the tobacco only. Shishas, bowls, hoses, charcoal and accessories are not affected.

Browse our shisha flavours. Shisha tobacco is for adults aged 18 and over.

Sources: HMRC Excise Notice 476 and the GOV.UK tobacco duty rates tables.