Australia flooded with illegal cigarettes as nicotine consumption rises 40 percent

Australia is experiencing a significant rise in nicotine consumption, with an alarming 40% increase over the past eight years, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The primary driver behind this surge is the proliferation of cheaper, illicit cigarettes. These untaxed products now constitute a staggering 80% of all cigarettes smoked in the country. This trend is exacerbated by the rising cost of legal tobacco products, which have tripled in price between 2017 and 2015, while the price of illegal alternatives has remained relatively stable.

Beyond traditional cigarettes, the consumption of e-cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives also contributes to the overall increase in nicotine use. The accessibility and lower cost of illicit options appear to be a major factor encouraging Australians to continue or increase their nicotine intake.