Russia raises vodka prices to tackle black market
The Russian government has increased the minimum price for vodka as it continues its battle against a growing counterfeit market.
The Russian government has increased the minimum price of vodka againIt follows the government’s u-turn on minimum vodka prices last year, which were brought down 16% from a record high of 220 rubles (US$3.30).
The minimum retail price was implemented in 2009 as part of a government crackdown on binge drinking.
As reported by The Moscow Times, Vadim Drobiz, director of the Research Center for Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets, the increase in minimum pricing will not bring any changes to the market, as most vodka in Russia is sold above this rate.
Drobiz said: “Raising the minimum retail price by five rubles is a purely political decision. Many say that vodka is too cheap – and here’s the reaction of the state.”
Earlier this year, a study showed Russian vodka and spirits exports hit a 10-year low in 2015, largely attributed to ongoing political tensions with the west and Ukraine.
