The anti-smoking advocacy group Quit has slammed supermarket chains for selling low-priced premium cigarettes, the Canberra Times reported.

Imperial Tobacco cigarettes made in the Ukraine and branded Peter Stuyvesant Originals Blue have been selling in Coles, IGA, and Foodworks stores for as low as AUD 20 (EUR 13.40) per pack in recent weeks, which Quit termed "reprehensible", Canberra Times reported.
"The cigarette companies are not doing this make money, they're doing this to keep people hooked on their toxic product," Quit Victoria director Dr Sarah White was quoted as saying. An Imperial spokeswoman cited by the newspaper said the lower priced product was a brand extension made in Ukraine because the factory there has the necessary equipment.
The Ukraine-made packs sell for up to AUD 6 cheaper than New Zealand-made Peter Stuyvesant Classic Blue packs.
"We have one of the highest rates of tax on cigarettes in the world as a means of deterring people from smoking, but if cigarette companies legitimately bring product into the country and drop the price unfortunately there is nothing we can do about that," a Department of Health spokeswoman reportedly said.