December 20 17:40
The Ministry of Finance issued an order on minimum retail prices, which will take effect from January 1, 2026. In addition to vodka, MRPs for brandy and cognac will increase.
Here's how alcohol prices will increase (per half a liter):
- for vodka – from 349 to 409 rubles,
- for brandy – from 472 to 605 rubles,
- for cognac – from 651 to 755 rubles.
The Ministry of Finance has been setting minimum prices for vodka in Russia since 2009 as part of the fight against “shadow” alcohol production. Minimum prices for cognac and brandy were introduced in 2011, for champagne – in 2016.
In addition, the minimum selling price for vodka from manufacturers will be 337 instead of 287 rubles. in 2025. The wholesale price will be 351 rubles. for a 0.5 liter bottle instead of the current 299 rubles. The selling price for brandy will increase by 93 rubles. (up to 457 rubles), cognac – 46 rubles. (up to 500 rubles for 0.5 liters).
Experts linked the increase in minimum retail prices for alcohol with a drop in production volumes and retail sales of strong alcohol, which has been recorded in Russia throughout 2025. According to the head of the public organization “Club of Alcohol Market Professionals”, associate professor of the Department of Management of the Presidential Academy in St. Petersburg, Maxim Chernigovsky, an increase in the MRP and excise taxes has reduced the demand for legal products.
Retail sales of vodka in Russia have been declining for several months in a row, according to Rosalkogoltabakcontrol. In January-November 2025, 66.3 million deciliters were sold, and for the same period in 2024 – 68.7 million decaliters. Cognac sales are also falling. Among strong spirits, the “other alcohol” category, which includes whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila, feels relatively stable.
Newslab is now at MAX. News is also published in OK | VK | Zen | Telegram
Related links:
