Cigarette Prices Hiked As Import Duty Goes Up
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Beginning June 1, 2005, cigarette prices of two specific brands have gone up.

A smoker was shocked to find out that the price of an Indonesian Djarum cigarette pack (16 pieces) has increased from $2.50 to $2.80, while the bigger packet containing 24 sticks is now priced at $4.00 compared to $3.60.

"I bought a packet of Djarum cigarettes in a shop in Tungku last weekend and to my shock the vendor said the price has now been increased. I asked him to show me the approval for the price hike and he showed me the letter from the distributor of the cigarette," he said.

The distributor of Djarum, based in Bunut, confirmed the price hike which also includes LA type of cigarettes. The price of LA has been increased from $2.00 to $2.30 (16 pieces).

The distributor said the import duty has been increased effective June 1, 2005 and is approved by Economic Planning & Development Department (JPKE). She added the move was in line with the government's effort to control cigarette smoking in the country.

The price hike came into effect a day after the World No Tobacco Day on May 31. However, only Djarum and LA cigarette prices have gone up.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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