Black market cigarette prices in Melbourne surge 50 percent amid supply chaos

Black market cigarette prices in Melbourne surged by 50 percent as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted supplies. Illicit brands like Manchester now cost $16 to $25 a pack, while legitimate brands exceed $50. The chaos follows the arrest of kingpin Kaz Hamad, triggering violence and price gouging among suppliers and retailers.

Read more on The Age →