Nicotine use soars by 40% in eight years as Australian black market explodes
June 03, 2026 by theguardian.com
Nicotine use soars by 40% in eight years as Australian black market explodes
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a 40% increase in nicotine consumption between 2017 and 2025, mainly due to cheaper illegal tobacco products. Household spending on cigarettes has decreased to 2016 levels as legal cigarette prices tripled. Illegal tobacco now makes up 80% of consumption, impacting government revenue and public health. Debate surrounds whether to lower tobacco excise or increase law enforcement. Australian states are implementing harsh penalties for selling illicit tobacco. NSW is focusing on addressing this issue through legislation. Victoria has introduced strict penalties, including fines up to $370,000 or 15 years in jail for selling illegal tobacco.
June 03, 2026 by straitstimes.com
Australia’s nicotine use soars 40% on black market cigarettes
Rising illegal tobacco trade in Australia has led to a 40% increase in nicotine consumption, despit…
11.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.4 million current smokers in Australia 12.90% of men are current smokers but only 9.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
