A pack of bidis typically costs around 12 Indian rupees (₹), with prices observed to range from ₹5 to ₹25.
Understanding Bidi Pricing
The pricing of bidis, which are small, thin traditional cigarettes originating from India, often reflects their local manufacturing and distribution. The figure of ₹12 represents the median price for a pack, meaning half of the observed prices were below this amount and half were above it. The stated range of ₹5 to ₹25 indicates the full spectrum of prices encountered for a pack of bidis, highlighting variations that can occur due to factors like regional differences, brand, and retail outlet.
Price Comparison with Other Tobacco Products
To provide context, here's how the median prices of bidis compare to other common tobacco products in India:
| Product Type | Median Price (₹) | Price Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Bidis (per pack) | 12 | 5–25 |
| Smokeless Tobacco | 5 | 1–300 |
| Cigarettes (per pack) | 95 | 5–300 |
As the table illustrates, bidis are significantly more affordable than traditional cigarettes, making them a widely accessible and consumed tobacco product, particularly in lower-income communities. Smokeless tobacco products also show a low median price but a very wide range.
Factors Influencing Bidi Price
The variation in bidi prices (the ₹5–₹25 range) can be attributed to several factors:
- Regional Differences: Prices may vary across different states or districts in India due to local taxes, supply chain costs, and demand.
- Brand and Quality: While bidis are generally simple, some brands might command slightly higher prices based on perceived quality or reputation.
- Retail Outlet: Prices can differ between small street vendors, kiosks, and larger retail stores.
- Quantity: Although the reference states "a pack," the size of a pack (number of bidis) can sometimes vary, subtly influencing the per-bidi cost.
Overall, the low price point is a key characteristic of bidis, contributing to their widespread consumption.
