A new report has found Aboriginal smokers in remote communities consume fewer cigarettes per day than the wider population.

The study looked at cigarette sales in five remote communities in the APY lands in South Australia.

The report's co-author, Associate Professor David Thomas, says while there is a higher rate of smoking among Indigenous Australians than the wider population, research suggests they smoke about half the amount of cigarettes than the average smoker.

"That has implications for policy," he said.

"Whilst there will be some heavy smokers in these communities and other Aboriginal communities who do need the support of nicotine replacement therapy, those smoking at lower levels are less likely to benefit from that.

"So other tobacco control activities are more likely to make an impact."

He says less access to stores could be one reason why Aboriginal smokers consume fewer cigarettes per day.

"Stores in these communities are only open about six hours a day," he said.

"And so if you run out of cigarettes there's no service station to go to to get some more cigarettes.

"The other thing is the importance of sharing in these communities."