The continued ban of cigarettes has resulted in many smokers feeling desperate.
Under the lockdown regulations, the selling of tobacco products was banned to curb the spread of the virus, but many smokers have access to these products on a daily basis.
Illegal cigarettes are dominating the black market, but at a higher price.
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“Smokers are facing difficulties because some people cannot cope properly without smoking. When we move to level three of lockdown they have to at least let us buy in advance to avoid illegal trading that is affecting the economy,” said Sphamandla Maseko.
The local black market is demanding a high price from smokers and many are willing to buy due to limited options.
The City Times spoke to one of the sellers, who asked to remain anonymous.
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“I am selling cigarettes because things have not been easy at home. I want to use the profit for the things that I cannot afford,” said the Kingsway resident.
So far I am happy with the profit. I am able to buy things I could not afford and I am just trying to make ends meet,” he added.
A Lindelani resident, who also asked to remain anonymous, said people should quit smoking if they cannot afford it.
People should not complain because if it is too expensive for them, they should consider quitting. There are places where a single cigarette used to cost R5, so I can only imagine how expensive it is now,” he said.
“I am more worried about the process of this lockdown that has unlocked a black market that is costing the economy billions. People are exploiting each other, which will leave a gap in the economy after the lockdown.”
