City smokers pay more
Money is quite literally going up in smoke for some city residents. Wholesale and retail vendors of cigarette and beedi packets have hiked prices, following the suspension of production by tobacco manufacturers, starting December 1.
Tobacco majors ITC and Godfrey Phillips India (GPI) have suspended their production nationwide to protest the Centre’s order to display pictorial warnings of health hazard of smoking. Sources said the firms have witnessed a dip in sales by publishing the pictorial warnings and so unwilling to implement the directions.
Sources said there is enough stock for one month and there should be no immediate effect on the supply of cigarettes or its cost. But cashing in on the situation, roadside vendors are selling cigarette packets for an extra Rs 10 on the MRP.
Sanjay, a local vendor said, ”Wholesalers are charging us much more, so why should we not charge extra from the customer.”
Wholesalers, on the other hand accuse the vendors of fooling customers and playing the demand-supply game.
While regular customers don’t mind buying at the hiked rate, those who fag only to impress girls or as a status symbol argue, Sanjay added.
Raj Kumar, an executive in a private firm, said he is a chain smoker and the black marketing is a burden on his pocket. ”As I am addicted, I buy it at any cost. Other people like me are also ready to pay.’
Read more: City smokers pay more – The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/City-smokers-pay-more/articleshow/7066966.cms#ixzz17hltwf00
