Price increase in vodka: Russians threaten unrest due to new costs!

Price increase in vodka: Russians threaten unrest due to new costs!

Russia - The price for vodka in Russia has experienced a dramatic increase since January 1, 2025. A half -liter bottle now costs 349 rubles (around 3.10 euros), which corresponds to an increase of 17 percent compared to 299 rubles. In view of an average salary of around 800 euros, this price surcharge is noticeable for many Russians, especially since the consumption of vodka has increased to a record level in recent years. According to the Russian state broadcaster RBC, a total of 625 million liters of vodka were sold between January and October 2024, which corresponds to an increase of 15 percent since 2017, as well as the occupied.

The background for these price increases are in the crisis-shaped budget of Russia, which is under pressure due to the high military spending of the Ukraine War. In order to stuff the financial holes, the Russian Ministry of Finance has raised taxes on vodka and other luxury foods. This happened as early as June 2024 with a first increase of 6.4 percent. In addition to the higher vodka prices, cigarettes have also become more expensive, which is a further burden for consumers. A box of cigarettes now costs 135 rubles (1.20 euros), which corresponds to an increase of 5 percent. Inflation currently reaches around 9 percent and also affects basic foods, the prices of which have increased in part - potatoes increased by 95 percent and butter 36 percent, according to the information from Bild.de

historical parallels

The dissatisfaction among the Russians is noticeable and is reminiscent of historical events. A comparable increase in the vodka price under the then Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1981 led to widespread abuse. At that time, vodka prices rose by 18 percent, which triggered an outcry in the population. According to reports, the Russians rediscovered a protest song from the time of Lenin, which expresses how the people react to price increases. The current situation could further tighten the imbalances in Russian society and fuel the mood against the government, while the Russians hope for a possible turn in pricing policy.