Let's raise the glasses

The Ministry of Finance raised the minimum vodka price from 190 to 205 rubles per 0.5 liters. The order of the department is published on the portal of official information.

The minimum price of a half -liter bottle of cognac is increased from 322 rubles to 371 rubles. The Ministry of Finance explains the need to increase prices by increasing excise tax rates, electricity tariffs and other costs.

The minimum prices for strong alcohol in Russia have been set since 2009 as a measure to combat the "shadow" production. In 2014, the price rose twice: from March 11 to 199 rubles from August 1 - to 220 rubles. From February 1, 2015, the price was reduced to 185 rubles, in June 2016it was increased by 5 rubles .

Since January 1, 2017, for the first time after 2014, the excise tax on vodka and other strong alcohol increased from 500 to 523 rubles. for 1 liter of waterless alcohol.

At the same time, in December, the Ministry of Economic Development proposed reducing excise tax rates and minimal retail prices for alcoholic beverages, as well as remove restrictions on the retail sale of alcohol, introduced in 2012-2016. Thus, the department hoped to reduce the illegal alcohol market and reduce excess administrative load on the industry that interferes with competition.

In September, with a proposal to reduce excise taxes on alcohol from 500 to 360 rubles per liter of pure alcohol in 2017was the Deputy Minister of Economy Oleg Fomichev . Also, in his opinion, the minimum cost of a half -liter of vodka was supposed to reduce - from 190 to 136 rubles. According to the source of the publication, the idea was supported by ex-minister of economics Alexei Ulyukaev.

The Ministry of Finance did not support the initiative of the Ministry of Economy. According to the financial department, a decrease in excise taxes on strong alcohol can lead to loss of budget revenues, and a decrease in minimal retail prices - to an increase in alcohol consumption and an increase in mortality.

Now in Russia, more than 23 thousand people per year dies from random alcohol poisoning, and more than 75 thousand people from diseases associated with alcohol abuse.