A social media post by an investment adviser has started a fresh online debate after he suggested that smokers could travel to Vietnam to buy cheaper cigarettes following a possible hike in cigarette prices in India.
As the Union government moves closer to increasing excise duty on cigarettes, Rajat Sharma, a SEBI-registered investment adviser, shared a comparison of cigarette prices in India and Vietnam on X (formerly Twitter). He pointed out that a pack of 20 Marlboro Lights costs around ₹340 in New Delhi and may go up to nearly ₹400 if companies pass on the higher tax to customers.
In comparison, Sharma said the same pack costs much less in Vietnam — around ₹120 to ₹130. Based on this price gap, he suggested that regular smokers could fly from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, buy multiple cigarette packs, and return. According to him, purchasing around 75 packs would help recover the cost of a return flight ticket, which he said costs about ₹21,000.
In his post, Sharma also encouraged smokers to combine the trip with travel and sightseeing. He added that prices are even higher in countries like Australia, where a similar pack can cost over ₹3,000.
Social Media Reactions
The post quickly went viral and received mixed reactions online. While some users reacted with humour, many criticised the idea and raised concerns about health risks and addiction.
One user suggested quitting smoking altogether, saying it would save money on hospital bills and improve overall health. Another user commented that the post showed how serious smoking addiction can be. Some users also joked that smoking so many cigarettes could make the return trip unnecessary.
Several people pointed out legal and customs rules. Users noted that travellers are allowed to carry only a limited number of cigarette packs duty-free. Carrying more than the permitted amount would attract customs duty, making the plan expensive and impractical.
Overall, the post sparked discussion not just about rising cigarette prices, but also about smoking habits, health risks, and legal limits on tobacco imports.
