Naswar price jolt leaves addicts dizzy
Naswar, the powdered tobacco snuff, has seen a significant rise in consumption within Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
This surge in demand has prompted shop owners to increase their prices significantly. The production of snuff primarily takes place in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
The production process involves mixing dried tobacco leaves with lime, ash, and a special adhesive. Mortars are employed to grind and blend the mixture with a sprinkle of water, while machines are also utilised for large-scale production.
Tobacco cultivation is prevalent in Sindh, Balochistan and K-P, with Charsadda and Swabi recognised for their quality tobacco. Variations of snuff include black, dried under the sun, and green, dried in the shade, along with scented red snuff. Despite the differences, the underlying objective remains consistent, delivering nicotine into the system.
Prominent snuff markets such as Sabzi Mandi, Namak Mandi, and Ghalla Mandi in Rawalpindi are well-known for trading in Naswar snuff. Popular snuff brands like Shandar, Triple Panch, PTIF Sixteen, Torkham, Sabz Pari, and Missile are sold in these markets.
Notably, the price of snuff packets has risen from Rs10 to Rs30 each.
Rasool Muhammad, a shop owner, revealed that certain vendors were selling snuff packets for Rs20 each, causing price disturbances.
The escalation in snuff prices is attributed to the rising costs of raw materials. The price of a bag of tobacco has surged from Rs17,000-18,000 to Rs30,000-40,000.
Suresh, a key component of snuff, has also seen its price climb from Rs5,000 to Rs20,000 per 25 kg. Additionally, the cost of the ash used in production has doubled from Rs1,000 to Rs2,500 per 50 kg. Packaging expenses have also gone up from Rs150 to Rs380 per kg.
Ghaffar Khan, a snuff addict, lamented the increasing costs, recalling the communal practice of sharing snuff among people.
Traditionally, snuff shops in the area would generously allow customers to take a pinch of snuff without charging them. This practice was a reflection of the hospitality and traditions of the Pakhtun people.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2023.