Smokers have to dig deeper into their pockets after the cost of brand-name cigarettes went up this week.

Responding to the price increase, some members of the public speaking to The Royal Gazette said it may act as a deterrent — but others insisted it would not make people change their minds about lighting up.

It comes after finance minister Bob Richards announced in the Budget that “currently imposed excises will be increased to begin the process of increasing the revenue yield from indirect taxes” this year and in 2017. “These increases in specific excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and petrol will increase revenue by approximately $14.7 million.”

Principal customs officer Richard Amos confirmed yesterday that the import duty rate for cigarettes containing tobacco went up by five cents to 27 cents per cigarette on April 1.

A pack of brand-name cigarettes, including Marlboro, Camel, Benson & Hedges and Winston, from the Esso City Tigermarket has increased from $11.15 to $12.50.

And the Phoenix Stores Ltd has increased the price of a pack by $1.55 to $12.50 and cartons now cost $99.95 instead of $83.95.

The Arnold’s group of supermarkets is charging $2 more for a pack, now priced at $12, at its stores and $11 at Arnold’s Discount Warehouse, whereas cartons cost $105 and $99.95 respectively.

Chatham House on Front Street has increased its prices by $1.05 to $11, with cartons selling for $99.95, which is an $8.95 increase.

And The Matchbox in Washington Mall has also upped its prices to $11 per pack, which is also a $1.05 increase, and $99.95 for a carton instead of $86.95.