SA government says illicit tobacco prices increasing in response to store crackdown
June 09, 2026 by abc.net.au
SA government says illicit tobacco prices increasing in response to store crackdown
South Australia’s crackdown on illicit tobacco is highlighting the scale and resilience of the illegal cigarette market. Reports of rising black-market prices suggest enforcement may be disrupting supply, but also show how strong consumer demand continues to sustain organised illegal trade. The situation raises wider questions about whether high tobacco taxes, restrictive nicotine policy and limited access to lower-risk alternatives are creating conditions in which illicit markets can thrive. Effective public health policy must reduce smoking-related harm while avoiding approaches that push consumers further into unregulated supply chains.
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
