Russia to Establish New Minimum Prices for Vodka, Cognac, and Brandy Through 2026

The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation (Minfin) has set new minimum prices for vodka, cognac, and brandy, effective from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The official directive has been published on the ‘Official Internet-Portal of Legal Information’.

According to the document, the minimum retail price for vodka is now set at RUB 299 for 0.5 liters, marking an increase from the previous RUB 281. The price of cognac has been set at RUB 556, up from RUB 517, while brandy will now cost RUB 403 for 0.5 liters, previously RUB 375.

The minimum manufacturer’s price has been established at 246 rubles, with the wholesale price set at RUB 256. Current rates are set at RUB 229 and RUB 238 per liter, respectively.

The minimum selling price for cognac will rise to RUB 427, up from RUB 397, with the wholesale price climbing to RUB 450 from RUB 419, effective July 1. Brandy will also experience a hike in prices, with the new minimum selling price set at RUB 311 per 0.5 liter, an increase from the current RUB 289, and the wholesale price moving to RUB 327 from RUB 304.

The ministry attributes this indexation to the uptick in inflation, an escalation in excise tax rates on beverages with an alcohol by volume (ABV) exceeding 9%, and to rising production costs.