Really? I don't know... somebody has to make them, ship them from China, then somebody else has to store them, advertise, sell them, wrap them, ship them... And make some profit in the process.
I'm fine with $1.598 a piece.
They are reliable and produce plenty of nice, warm vapor.
I suggest refilling them with a syringe and 18g sharp needle. I haven't burned one since I started using a syringe. I just keep them wet, refill several times and then I throw them out. No fuss, no problems.
Good luck!