Tobacco prices to rise by 50%? Smokers: What I smoke is not cigarettes, but anxiety!​

Recently, the topic “#Tobacco prices have risen by an average of over 50% in many countries#” has hit the hot search, making many smokers jump – could it be that even “happy cigarettes” will become luxury goods in the future?​

This matter has to start with a new initiative of the World Health Organization. On July 2, the World Health Organization launched the “3by35” plan, calling on countries to increase the prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes. The goal is clear: to reduce chronic diseases and, incidentally, generate revenue for the government.​

Can price increases really deter smokers?​

In theory, price increases are indeed a “deterrent” means. After all, economics tells us that when prices rise, demand falls. But the question is – are smokers really sensitive to prices?​

China has made great efforts in tobacco control: tobacco taxes were raised twice in 2009 and 2015, and the new tobacco control regulations in 2025 have made even more severe moves, bringing e-cigarettes under regulation and increasing the maximum fine for smoking in public places to 200,000 yuan. However, in the short term, price increases may make some smokers hesitate, but in the long run, those who want to smoke will still smoke, at most switching to a cheaper brand.​

After all, for many smokers, smoking is not just a habit, but a “emotional necessity”.​

300 million smokers are actually smoking anxiety​

There are 300 million smokers in China, and behind this figure is a complex social mentality.​

Regional differences: 67% of smokers are in rural areas, with about 100 million urban smokers and more than 200 million rural smokers.​

Income level: The smoking rate is high among both low-income groups (monthly income below 500 yuan) and high-income groups (monthly income above 5,000 yuan), reaching 26.8% and 22.7% respectively.​

Occupation and pressure: The smoking rate is higher among the unemployed, farmers, workers, and those with lower education levels, while high-income and high-pressure groups are also inseparable from cigarettes.​

In other words, what smokers are smoking is not cigarettes, but the anxiety of life. Whether it is a farmer in the fields or a white-collar worker in an office building, the moment they light a cigarette, they may be fighting against some invisible pressure.​

Tobacco control cannot rely solely on “price increases” and “fines”​

Tobacco control is a long-term project, and simply raising prices, imposing fines or even moral criticism may have limited effects. After all, tobacco culture, which was introduced in the Ming Dynasty, cannot be completely changed by tobacco control policies that have been in place for just over a decade.​

So, how can tobacco control be more effective?​

Combining dredging and blocking: A comprehensive ban on smoking is unrealistic, but smoking areas can be set up reasonably. For example, smoking is strictly prohibited in schools and hospitals, while smoking areas are designated in places such as airports and parks.​

Civilized guidance: Advocate “smoking without disturbing others and cigarette butts not falling on the ground”, promote portable smoking utensils, and reduce the impact of second-hand smoke.​

Psychological intervention: Help smokers relieve stress and provide smoking cessation support, rather than simply using “high prices” to force them to quit.​

A 50% price increase may deter some smokers, but for those who are really dependent on tobacco, it may just be another way to continue “relieving stress”. Tobacco control cannot rely solely on economic means, but also requires social understanding and reasonable guidance. After all, it is unrealistic to make 300 million people quit smoking instantly, but making smoking more civilized and less affecting others can be achieved step by step.​

So, next time you see a smoker friend smoking, you might as well ask: “Buddy, have you been under a lot of pressure lately?” – which may be more effective than simply advising him to quit smoking.

Author: 609296696@proton.me