The minimum retail and wholesale prices for vodka will increase by 27.1% and 27.86% - up to UAH 348.9 and 225 respectively for 1 liter of 100-percent spirit, as it is reported in government’s resolution №828 dated November 9.

According to the resolution, it is planned to increase minimum wholesale price of three-star cognac from UAH 269.23 for 1 liter of 100-percent spirit to UAH 336.22, retail – from UAH 420 to UAH 524.5, four star – respectively, from UAH 285.26 to UAH 352.24 and from UAH 445 to UAH 549.5, five star – from UAH 301.28 to UAH 384.29 and from UAH 470 to UAH 599.5.

The minimum retail prices for natural wines will increase by 22% - up to UAH 33 for a bottle (0.7 l), for fortified wines and vermouth – by 55.6%, up to UAH 42, for champagne for a bottle (0.7 l) – by 40%, up to UAH 69.9.

According to the message on the site of the Cabinet of Ministers, the current amount of minimum prices does not coincide with real expenditure of companies for production and sale of alcohol beverages. In particular, since the beginning of 2016, the excise liabilities, prices for the spirit and other components increased. 

The resolution will come into force in 10 days after its official publication.

As reported, the increase of minimum retail prices for alcohol was supported by the professional association “Ukrvodka” and the Association of Legal Alcohol Producers, arguing its necessity by the increase of excise tax rates, energy and spirit prices, salaries, inflation processes, other components of alcohol products.

According to large producers, the cancellation of minimum retail prices was also the main reason for increasing volumes of counterfeit and multiple cases of poisoning by substitute goods, which led to lethal consequences.