The effect of price on cigarette consumption, distribution, and sale in Tehran: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Appropriate increases in tobacco taxes and prices are an essential component of comprehensive tobacco control strategies. This study investigates factors related to the use, sale, and distribution of cigarettes in Iran, focusing on the relationship between cigarette price and its consumption. Methods This interview-based qualitative study was conducted among 20 participants, including cigarette smokers, retail shop owners, large-scale distributors, and an expert in tobacco control research. Results Seven themes were extracted from participant interviews, including the type and price of cigarette, the best time to sell cigarettes, profits from the sale of cigarette, affordability, rise in cigarette price and smokers’ reaction to it, lobbying and black-market sales of cigarettes, and the sale and distribution of cigarettes across the country. Although the price of cigarettes in Iran has shown some increases in the past decade, the timing of these increases are not predictable and the limited amount of these increases has not reduced the use of cigarettes. Following a price increase, consumers are more likely to switch from buying packets to single cigarettes, or buy a less expensive brand, then to quit. Moreover, increases in prices may encourage smokers and sellers to buy a large number of cigarettes and store them for a rainy day. Another adverse effect may be increased smuggling of illicit cigarettes to balance the pressure caused by rising prices. Conclusions Our findings highlight two important aspects concerning cigarette pricing in Iran. First is the change in the type of purchase from the whole box of cigarettes to the single stick cigarette or swapping to less expensive cigarettes. Second, increase in cigarette price (either through taxing or regular increases) could be offset by flooding smuggled cigarettes into the market. Therefore, in addition to raising cigarette prices, reducing cigarette consumption rates in Iran requires the development and effective implementation of regulatory policies to control cigarette smuggling, reduce purchasing, and subsequently curb the use of this leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality.

Trend and projection of non-communicable diseases risk factors in Iran from 2001 to 2030

“…This difficulty stems from the inadequacy of current policy execution. Evidence suggests the economic recession in Iran in recent years has led to a decreased cigarette consumption due to affordability concerns, resulting in a towards purchasing single-stick cigarettes instead of whole boxes 29 , 30 .…”

Socioeconomic and environmental factors associated with waterpipe tobacco smoking among Iranian adults: a PERSIAN cohort-based cross-sectional study

“…In contrast, Ghelichkhani et al studied individuals aged 7 to 70 years, which may have diluted the impact of SES status on WTS. Relatedly, the preparation of WTS or gathering in groups of friends at hookah café requires time and may cost more for people from a low-income neighborhood, contrary to cigarettes that are more easily accessible and cheaper for this low SES group [ 47 ]. In contrast to the findings of the present study, a study of Iranian adults in 2010 suggested that income had no significant effect on hookah use [ 48 ].…”

Tobacco Consumption Patterns among Iranian Adults: a National and Sub-national Update from the STEPS Survey 2021

“…The purchase pattern of Iranian smokers has changed from the whole box of cigarettes to the single stick cigarette. In addition, smokers have generally swapped to less expensive cigarettes (29). Dealing with the burden attributable to tobacco use, public health authorities encounter substantial obstacles such as an increased number of smokers due to population growth, pressure from the tobacco industry, and competing for health and political priorities (1).…”

“…Moreover, the revenue from tobacco taxation needs to be redistributed to tobacco control programs, health care services, and social support services (30). Unless strict regulations are in place to control cigarette smuggling, any increase in cigarette price could be compensated by ooding smuggled cigarettes into the market (29). This calls for substantially reducing smoking rates in the country via adopting, implementing, and enforcing comprehensive packages of evidence-based tobacco control policies.…”