There has been a shortage of cigarette supplies on the island since last week. BCN News was contacted by some unhappy smokers wanting to know why the supply of cigarette tobacco products had stopped several weeks ago.
BCN News reached out to one of the importers Bond Store, a subsidiary of Niue Philatelic and Numismatic CEO-Poi Kapaga who has confirmed they are currently having a supply issue.
Kapaga added there are several factors that have resulted in a shortage of supply for Niue including a downturn in traditional smokers but an increase in e-cigarette Vapes and other products have surpassed the traditional tobacco products, Niue has adopted a smoke-free policy and Niue market is small and suppliers have basically said they can no longer supply.
Bond Store has partnered with a local business to secure stock and is working with the Government to ensure they meet the health regulations required under the 2018 Tobacco Control Act.
Kapaga hopes supplies will resume by next week. Smokers on the island have expressed their frustration with the out-of-stock supplies, some opting to switch to vaping or asking passengers traveling in from NZ to buy their cigarettes from Duty Free in Auckland.
BCN News understands that the resupply of tobacco cigarettes will arrive either on Monday or Friday next week.