Lighting up in New York State just got more expensive. Today marks the start of the state's cigarette tax hike. Sabina Kuriakose has more from the Mobil at the corner of Central and Watervliet avenues to explain what this means for you and the long-term impact on business owners in New York.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- When you buy a pack of cigarettes today, it will cost you more now that the cigarette tax hike is in effect.

New York State now has the highest cigarette tax in the country. You can expect to pay an extra $1.60 per pack. That brings the total price to about $9.20 and more than $10 in New York City.

This tax increase is expected to help generate about $440 million in revenue for the state.

One group not happy with the tax is convenience store owners. They say the state stands to lose much more money than it gains.

"The state says that is what they want; I don't believe that. They want us to smoke and they want us to pay more money. That is the truth and no one wants to hear that. This is about collecting money. This isn't about health care or the numbers of people quitting, or cancer. This is about money. The state is desperate," said convenience store owner Mac Brownson.

In the coming weeks, there will also be increased taxes on chewing tobacco, snuff, and cigars.