E cigarettes freely available in market despite ban

Hyderabad: E cigarettes are available not only online but also in market. Despite the ban imposed by the central government, pan shops, orchids and gift galleries are selling it to public without hesitation and a few shops sell discreetly.

"E cigarette save Rs 500 to 800 from my monthly expenses. As I cannot afford normal cigarette pack every day, I use this for two to three long months. Banning of E cigarette is increasing my expenses," said a vape addict.

"Smokers cannot quit easily. Most of the smoke addicts carry e-cigarettes like cell phones. Few use it for style, though. When they are travelling long, they make it a point to carry it along. On our part, we sell them as we get more profit through E-cig sales rather than tobacco sales," said a shopkeeper in Balkampet on condition anonymity.

Speaking of the types of E cigars available in his store, he said: "Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered nicotine delivery systems. They come in many varieties but can generally be grouped into three categories: cigars, which resemble conventional cigarettes in shape and size.

eGOs, which are larger than cigars, usually have a removable 'tank' that can be refilled with nicotine-containing e-liquid. Mods are usually larger than eGos and almost endlessly customisable."However, anti-smokers blame shopkeepers who are selling despite the ban and want the government to crack its whip on them and stop the sales forthwith.