The tobacco industry in Oman is a fascinating topic, rich in history and economic significance. As we delve into this subject, we’ll explore the industry’s evolution, its key players, and the impact of global trends and local demands. We’ll also look at the role of tobacco in Oman’s economy, from cultivation to trade, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. So, join us on this journey as we uncover the intricacies of the tobacco industry in Oman.
Modern Tobacco Industry
Since the 1970s, the tobacco industry in Oman has formed various organized groups to subvert tobacco control activities . Despite these efforts, the prevalence of tobacco use is projected to increase to 33.3% by 2025 .
Key Regulations and Policies
Oman has implemented several regulations to control tobacco use. For instance, Ministerial Decree No. 38/2010 banned the import and sale of chewing tobacco . Furthermore, the sale of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited, and there are no restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or sales via vending machines .
Impact of Regulations on the Industry
The introduction of these regulations has had a significant impact on the tobacco industry in Oman. For example, the market is still recovering from the introduction of a 100% excise tax in 2019 . Additionally, all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and discounts have been eliminated throughout Oman .
Current Market Size and Growth
The tobacco products market in Oman is projected to grow by 2.90% from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a market volume of US$346.6m in 2028 . The cigarettes market, in particular, is projected to grow by 2.48% during the same period, resulting in a market volume of US$294.5m in 2028 .
Popular Tobacco Products
Cigarettes and pipe tobacco were the most popular tobacco products in Oman in 2022 . However, the sale of e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories was banned in 2024 .
Key Players and Market Competition
The Omani tobacco market has seen a significant increase in recent years, with consumption reaching a peak level in 2022 . However, the market is competitive, with several key players vying for market share.
Societal Norms and Taboos
In most areas in Oman, smoking is considered taboo due to religious and societal norms. These cultural barriers can even prevent marriages in some areas of Oman .
Predicted Market Growth
The Omani tobacco market is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The market is projected to grow by 2.90% from 2024 to 2028 .
Future Regulatory Changes
Oman is likely to continue implementing stringent tobacco control measures in the future. For instance, the country has recently increased the size of health warnings on tobacco product packaging from 50% to 65% .
what are the current tobacco control laws in oman
Oman has taken several steps to control tobacco use within its borders, aligning with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which the country became a party to on June 7, 2005. The current tobacco control laws in Oman include:
- Smoke-Free Places: Smoking in indoor public places and workplaces is generally restricted to designated smoking rooms. However, educational institutions, government departments, health facilities, and sports settings must be completely smoke-free. Smoking is also prohibited in all means of public transport. Some sub-national jurisdictions may have more stringent smoke-free laws than the national law .
- Tobacco Product Regulations: There are bans on certain types of tobacco products. For example, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ministerial Decree No. 38/2010 bans the importing and sale of chewing tobacco (smokeless). Additionally, Ministerial Decree No. 327/2015 and Decree No. 698/2015 prohibit the import and trade of e-cigarettes and e-shisha .
- Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship: Oman has enforced bans on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and discounts throughout the country. This includes direct and indirect tobacco advertising, with a high level of compliance reported. The bans are expected to contribute to a reduction in tobacco use among both adults and youth .
- Labeling and Packaging: The Gulf Technical Regulation 246/2011 on Labeling of Tobacco Product Packages has been adopted, which includes requirements for health warnings and other labeling provisions .
- Intersectoral Committee: An intersectoral committee was formed in 2007 to address tobacco control activities, and it has been active in implementing and enforcing tobacco control rules and regulations .
- Local Regulations: Ministerial Decision No. 272/2010 regulates smoking in enclosed public places, including workplaces, while Ministerial Decree No. 286/2008 addresses smoking in the workplace among other occupational safety and health regulations. Local regulations on smoking in public places have also been adopted by some sub-national jurisdictions .
what are the major tobacco companies operating in oman
The major tobacco companies operating in Oman include British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International (PMI). BAT operates in Oman through its subsidiary, British American Tobacco Middle East, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates . PMI’s products are distributed in Oman by Khimji Ramdas, a local distributor . Another company, WJ Towell, is a group of several companies including Mutrah Cold Stores and Enhance, which are the local distributors of BAT tobacco products in Oman . ATC, a leading distribution and logistics service in Oman, also distributes a wide range of branded cigars, tobacco products, related accessories, and cigarettes .
Conclusion
The tobacco industry in Oman has a complex history and faces a challenging regulatory landscape. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to grow in the coming years. However, the societal and health implications of increased tobacco use cannot be ignored. As such, it is crucial for Oman to continue implementing and enforcing stringent tobacco control measures to curb the potential rise in tobacco use.
Statistics:
Tobacco Consumption Statistics in Oman
The age-standardized current tobacco smoking prevalence among ages 15 years or older in Oman is 8.1% . The tobacco market in Oman is still recovering after the introduction of a 100% excise tax in 2019. Cigarettes and pipe tobacco were the most popular tobacco products in Oman in 2022 .
Tobacco Industry Interference Index
Oman’s rank in the Global Tobacco Index indicates the level of tobacco industry interference in the country. The index measures the level of participation in policy development, corporate social responsibility activities, benefits to the tobacco industry, unnecessary interaction between government and industry, measures for transparency, preventing conflicts of interest, and measures that prevent industry influence .
FAQs:
Questions and Answers
-
Who regulates the tobacco industry in Oman?
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman regulates the tobacco industry . -
What measures has Oman taken to control tobacco use?
Oman has established plain packaging for all tobacco products and does not allow or invite the tobacco industry to sit in its multisectoral group . -
Where is tobacco use most prevalent in Oman?
Tobacco use is prevalent among the youth, particularly those aged 13-15 years . -
Why is tobacco use a concern in Oman?
Tobacco use is a concern due to its health implications and the influence of the tobacco industry . -
How is the government addressing the tobacco epidemic?
The government is working with various ministries, organizations, and individuals to address the tobacco epidemic .
Books:
Recommended Books
“Bitter Leaves” by Rocco Rorandelli provides a comprehensive view of the global impact of the tobacco industry on health, economy, and environment. It includes a section on the Middle East, which can provide valuable insights into the tobacco industry in Oman .
Sources of information:
Reliable Sources
Reliable sources for information on the tobacco industry in Oman include the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman, the Global Tobacco Index, and the World Health Organization https://untobaccocontrol.org/impldb/oman-tobacco-products-to-be-sold-in-plain-packaging/
https://globaltobaccoindex.org/country/OM
https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/oman/gyts/oman-2003-emro.pdf?download=true&sfvrsn=b734b253_2.
Citations:
Authoritative Citations
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Oman https://untobaccocontrol.org/impldb/oman-tobacco-products-to-be-sold-in-plain-packaging/
- Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2020, WHO Report https://globaltobaccoindex.org/country/OM
- Ministry of Health, Oman https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/oman/gyts/oman-2003-emro.pdf?download=true&sfvrsn=b734b253_2
Craft BD https://www.craftbd.org/articles/50/Tobacco-Cultivation-in-Bangladesh.
- “Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach” by NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344697/.
- “The Economic Cost of Tobacco Farming in Bangladesh” by NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766910/.
Citations
- Craft BD. Tobacco Cultivation in Bangladesh https://www.craftbd.org/articles/50/Tobacco-Cultivation-in-Bangladesh.
- NCBI. Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344697/.
- Tobacco Atlas. Tobacco Production | Farms, Crops & Growing https://tobaccoatlas.org/challenges/growing/.
- Khan Ferdousour Rahman. Health and Environmental Impacts of Tobacco Farming in Bangladesh: A Study on Selected Districts https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Impacts-Tobacco-Farming-Bangladesh/dp/6139989892.
- The Daily Star. Time to find better alternatives to tobacco farming https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/news/time-find-better-alternatives-tobacco-farming-2049365.
- NCBI. The Economic Cost of Tobacco Farming in Bangladesh https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766910/.