Banned in Chongqing: so-called luxury cigarettes

(Ecns.cn) -- Chongqing is set to ban the sales of cigarettes with prices set higher than 1,000 yuan (US$159) throughout the city since April, according to sources within the local Tobacco Monopoly Bureau.

Currently, among more than 100 cigarette brands on the city's market, 10 cost over 1,000 yuan per carton. As many as 9 other brands have set their price at exactly 990 yuan per carton.

So far only one district in Chongqing has officially announced the ban, according to which inspectors are obliged to conduct comprehensive inventory checks on cigarette outlets in compliant administrative areas. Meanwhile, residents are strongly suggested to avoid buying such cigarettes.

It was confirmed on Thursday that this action is one part of a nationwide move initiated by the national Tobacco Monopoly Bureau to control the marketing of so-called 'luxury' cigarettes.