Russia to Raise Minimum Price of Vodka
The minimum price of vodka in Russia will increase by about one-third by the end of the month because of new tax rates, the government said Thursday.
The price hike comes after a government decree boosting the excise tax for most alcoholic beverages. The increase will take effect Feb. 25.
The price hike made the headlines on Russian television, where there was speculation that it could have political consequences.
Raising prices on the national drink has been politically unpopular in the past. Many Russians still have unkind words for former Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev, who placed restrictions on the sale and consumption of liquor.
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