KUWAIT: Official sources at the finance ministry said the ministry plans to impose additional tax on soda and energy drinks, and tobacco by nearly 100 percent. The sources said the decision is expected at the start of next year.

Informed sources said the taxes on products will be selective, especially those that are bad for health, because the ministry may not face popular opposition to such move. The sources said Kuwait is considered one of the highest consumers of sodas worldwide, with a rate of 65 liters per individual annually, and is considered among the large tobacco consumers.

The expected price list: Soda drinks between 100 fils and 200 fils; energy drinks between 550 fils and 1.150 fils and tobacco products to reach KD 2 as a maximum.