Retailers could see a price hike on vapes in the coming months, as speculation suggests the government is set to announce a new tax.

According to reports by The Mirror, the cost of vapes could increase by at least a quarter, with plans to be formally unveiled in the Budget on 6 March.

The move comes after prime minister Rishi Sunak revealed plans to crack down on youth vaping. Proposals included a generational tobacco ban and restricting the flavours and appearance of vapes to make them less appealing to children.

The consultation was launched as a result of concerns for both the environment and underage vaping, and included exploring whether increasing the price of vapes will ‘reduce the number of young people using them’.

A government response from the consultation is expected ‘imminently’, while popular brands Elfbar and Lost Mary have already taken action and dropped a number of ‘dessert’ flavours from their lines. A spokesperson at Elfbar said renaming and phasing out of flavours is to limit the vapes’ “appeal to children”.

Order your copy of Vape Retailer today, the leading vape magazine for the convenience sector. Click here for vape product news and category advice.