Faced with the rise in the price of cigarettes, contraband tobacco attracts smokers

The government announced on Tuesday November 28 a new increase in the price of tobacco. The price of packs should increase by 40 to 50 cents from January 1, 2024. This strategy aims to reduce the number of smokers but the high prices also encourage some to choose the black market.

On the Canebière, the Le Calumet tobacconist is a few meters from the Noailles market where street cigarette sellers set up daily. The increase in the price of packages will inevitably have an impact, explains manager Alexandre Manchon.“Considering that we are a point of sale, where there is traffic within the perimeter, and that we are in a cosmopolitan and working-class neighborhood, if they increase the number of cigarettes, it will encourage traffiche assures. Afterwards, it’s not the same tobacco, the manufacturing is not the same.”

Cartridge of cigarettes at half price on the black market

Some customers have already deserted the tobacco shop because of the successive increases. Aziz takes out of his pocket a white and red packet bought under the coat. “They’re Marlboro cigarettes, they come from Algeria. There are some that come from Switzerland or Spain. Frankly, I prefer to buy them at 6 euros at the market that buy them at 11 euros [au bureau de tabac]. That price is an hour of work.”

At tobacconists, the price of a packet of Marlboro is currently 11.50 euros. It could reach 12 euros in January. So Inès, a student, adapts, and goes to the Spanish border to buy supplies or buys contraband. “I have acquaintances in the port of Marseille who bring me cigarettes on the black market, so the cartridge costs between 50 and 60 euros.” Half as expensive as at the tobacco shop, even on the black market, the prices also follow inflation and increase every year, according to this student.