Vapers are unhappy over the impending flat excise duty rate of R2.90 per millilitre for both nicotine and non-nicotine vaping liquids, which is set to take effect next month on June 1.

Some people say they will be start smoking once more or not spend their money on vaping products at all.

Others say they welcome the increase as they believe vaping has worse effects on a person’s health than smoking cigarettes.

Aliya Moonilal, who vapes, says she will probably return to smoking cigarettes.

“I have been using vaping along with cigarettes so I can stop smoking. I was also saving money with vaping but with the increase I will not be able to.”

Eshveer Ramprasad says the increase in both nicotine and non-nicotine vaping products will have a negative impact on sales.

“A lot of smokers, including me, will probably limit their use of vaping products and cigarettes or stop completely,” explains Ramprasad.

Jessica Brown says she is glad that there is an increase in the price of vaping products. She adds that multiple health articles have found that vaping is more dangerous than normal smoking.

“They should increase the price of these products. It is something I am passionate advocating about as in many health articles it states that vaping can cause damage to your immune system.”

Also read: Vaping among South Africa’s youth: A ticking time bomb