Cigarette Prices in Oman: Marlboro, Winston and Tobacco Costs

Cigarette prices in Oman depend on the brand, pack size and place of purchase. A 20-cigarette pack of Marlboro is estimated at around OMR 2.40, with a reported range of OMR 2 to OMR 3. Separately, from 1 October 2026, Oman’s minimum tax reference price for a pack of 20 cigarettes is OMR 1. These figures serve different purposes: the tax reference price is used for excise tax calculations and is not necessarily the price a customer pays at a shop.

For expatriates, residents and visitors, the practical approach is to compare like-for-like packs, check the retailer’s current price and distinguish domestic shops from Muscat Airport Duty Free. Tobacco products are also subject to Oman’s excise tax rules and smoking restrictions, which matter when budgeting for daily expenses or choosing where to smoke.

At a glance

• Estimated Marlboro price: around OMR 2.40 for a pack of 20, with a reported range of OMR 2–3.
• Minimum tax reference price: OMR 1 per 20 cigarettes, effective from 1 October 2026.
• Excise tax rate on tobacco and its derivatives: 100%.
• Duty-free prices may cover packs of 200, 400 or 600 cigarettes, so they are not directly comparable with a standard pack.
• Muscat Municipality prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18.
• Check the exact product, pack quantity and current retail price before buying.

What determines cigarette prices in Oman?

The price you pay at a shop is different from the reference price used to calculate excise tax. Retail prices vary by brand, product type, pack size and retailer, while the tax reference price provides a basis for tax calculations.

Under Tax Authority Decision No. 206/2026, effective from 1 October 2026, the minimum reference price for a pack containing 20 cigarettes is OMR 1. For ready-to-use tobacco and similar products, including shisha tobacco, the minimum reference price is OMR 2.500 per 250 grams. Different pack sizes are assessed proportionately.

These figures do not mean that every cigarette pack must sell for OMR 1. Oman applies a 100% excise tax rate to tobacco and its derivatives. The Oman Tax Authority’s excise tax guidance explains that excise tax is an indirect tax collected at a stage of the supply chain, such as importation or production.

Marlboro and Winston prices

Marlboro and Winston are useful reference brands when comparing tobacco costs in Oman. For Marlboro, Numbeo’s crowdsourced cost-of-living data gives an estimated price of approximately OMR 2.40 for a pack of 20, with a reported range of OMR 2–3. Treat this as a market estimate rather than a guaranteed price at every retailer.

Product or reference	Reported price	How to interpret it
Marlboro, 20 cigarettes	About OMR 2.40	Crowdsourced cost-of-living estimate.
Reported Marlboro price range	OMR 2–3 per 20 cigarettes	An indicative range, not a guaranteed current shelf price.
Minimum cigarette tax reference price	OMR 1 per 20 cigarettes	Tax reference price effective from 1 October 2026, not a fixed retail price.
Winston Classic Filter, 200 cigarettes at Muscat Duty Free	OMR 9.600	Price listed for a large airport duty-free pack.
Marlboro Blossom Fusion Menthol, 200 cigarettes at Muscat Duty Free	OMR 15.000	Price listed for a specific large pack.
Winston One, 400 cigarettes at Muscat Duty Free	OMR 17.300	Price for a 400-cigarette pack.
Winston One, 600 cigarettes at Muscat Duty Free	OMR 24.500	Price for a 600-cigarette pack.
Shisha and ready-to-use tobacco	Minimum reference price of OMR 2.500 per 250 grams	Tax reference price, not necessarily the shop price.

The Marlboro estimate comes from Oman cost-of-living data. The larger Winston and Marlboro packs are listed by Muscat Duty Free’s cigarette store. These prices relate to the stated pack sizes and should not be treated as standard-pack prices in Muscat supermarkets or convenience stores.

For a fair comparison, check the exact product name and cigarette count, then calculate the cost per 20 cigarettes. The same method works for other brands, including Camel and West. Do not assume that a larger airport pack is automatically cheaper than a standard pack in a local shop.

Buying cigarettes in Muscat and at the airport

Domestic retail shops and airport duty-free stores serve different purchasing situations. Duty-free listings often include multipacks or large formats, while a resident buying cigarettes for everyday use may be comparing standard packs at local retailers.

Before buying, verify the pack size and final displayed price. If you are comparing an airport listing with a local shop, divide the total price by the number of 20-cigarette units to establish a common basis. The result helps compare pack sizes, but it does not guarantee that the products, availability or retail conditions are identical.

Shisha tobacco and other tobacco products

Shisha tobacco prices depend on the product, brand, weight and retailer. Oman’s minimum tax reference price for shisha tobacco and similar ready-to-use tobacco products is OMR 2.500 per 250 grams, effective under the reference-price rules introduced in October 2026.

This is a tax reference, not a promise that every 250-gram product will be sold at that amount. When comparing packaged tobacco, check the net weight and calculate the price per 250 grams. A smaller pack may have a lower total price but a higher unit cost.

Packaged shisha tobacco is also different from ordering shisha at a café. A venue’s charge covers its own service and may depend on the menu and serving arrangements. Ask for the total price before ordering and check whether smoking is permitted in the designated area.

Smoking laws in Oman

Muscat Municipality states that smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places and that tobacco products must not be sold to people under 18. These restrictions are relevant when visiting shopping centres, restaurants and other enclosed public venues.

Read the Muscat Municipality smoking regulations notice for local guidance. For outdoor cafés, parks, beaches or specific venues, follow posted restrictions and the rules applied by the relevant management or municipality. Permission in one outdoor setting should not be taken as blanket permission elsewhere.

Can you smoke inside a private car?

Do not treat the rules for smoking in enclosed public places as a complete statement of every rule that may apply to a vehicle. Consider the circumstances, applicable traffic requirements and restrictions at the place where the vehicle is parked. Never throw a cigarette butt out of the window onto a road or public space; littering can be dealt with under applicable local rules.

What is the fine for smoking or discarding cigarette butts?

The applicable penalty depends on the specific offence and regulation. Muscat Municipality’s page on certain employee and business violations lists a fine of OMR 100 for smoking as an unhealthy habit during work. That figure should not be treated as a universal fine for smoking anywhere or for throwing a cigarette butt onto the street.

The practical rule is simple: use an ashtray and dispose of cigarette waste properly. Observe no-smoking signs and venue restrictions, and do not assume that a penalty listed for a workplace violation applies to a different offence.

Shisha cafés and tea houses

The price of a packaged tobacco product is not the same as the price of ordering shisha at a café or tea house. Before ordering, check the venue’s menu, the serving price and the area in which smoking is allowed.

Muscat’s restrictions on smoking in enclosed public places are relevant when choosing a venue. For an outdoor terrace or a business offering shisha, check the specific venue’s rules and applicable local requirements rather than assuming that all cafés or outdoor spaces operate under identical conditions.

Is cannabis legal in Oman?

Cannabis and marijuana are not ordinary tobacco products and should not be treated under the same assumptions as cigarettes or shisha tobacco. The existence of a retail market for tobacco does not imply that cannabis can legally be purchased, possessed, carried or consumed.

Anyone travelling to Oman with medication containing a controlled substance should check the applicable entry requirements with the relevant authorities before travelling. Do not rely on assumptions about exemptions or bring prohibited substances into the country.

How much does smoking cost per month?

To estimate your monthly spending, multiply your weekly pack consumption by the price per pack and then by the number of weeks in the period. For example, at an illustrative price of OMR 2.40 per pack, five packs a week would cost OMR 48 over four weeks. Your actual spending will depend on the price you pay and how much you consume.

If you are comparing brands or pack sizes, record the product name, number of cigarettes and total price. Convert each option to a cost per 20 cigarettes before comparing it with another product. This gives you a more consistent estimate for your monthly living budget.

Common mistakes when comparing cigarette prices

• Confusing tax reference prices with retail prices: OMR 1 per 20 cigarettes is a minimum tax reference price, not a universal shelf price.
• Comparing different pack sizes: A 200-cigarette pack should be compared on a per-20-cigarette basis with a standard pack.
• Treating estimates as guaranteed prices: Crowdsourced cost-of-living figures are useful for budgeting but do not replace checking the current price at the retailer.
• Assuming airport prices represent local retail prices: Duty-free stores may list different pack formats and products.
• Assuming every outdoor place allows smoking: Follow local rules and posted restrictions.
• Applying one penalty to every offence: A workplace smoking penalty is not automatically the penalty for littering or smoking in another location.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your life in Oman

If you are relocating to Oman, include tobacco spending alongside accommodation, transport and other recurring expenses. Use current shop prices rather than relying solely on broad estimates, and check the rules at the locations where you plan to spend time.

For guidance on company formation, residency or property opportunities in Oman, you can submit an enquiry through Connsect’s consultation page. A clear estimate of your day-to-day costs can help you plan your move and make informed decisions about living in the Sultanate.