From May 1, imported alcohol may become more expensive.

      According to "Kommersant," the Ministry of Finance is considering raising the duty from €3 to €5 per liter of alcohol. The new rates could come into effect as early as May 1, 2026, and one source did not rule out that a decision could be made even earlier—in April.

      Currently, a duty introduced in September 2024 is in effect: 20% of the customs value, but no less than €3 per liter. It is assumed that the new measure is aimed at supporting demand for domestic brandy and whiskey.

      Market participants expect that the increase will lead to a rise in prices. The president of the "Alcopro" guild, Andrey Moskovsky, called this decision "quite serious" and suggested that it would impact the sales of popular brands.

      The head of the strong alcohol department at Fort, Ruslan Bragin, noted that the increase in costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, and the share of imports in the low and medium price segments will decrease.

      At Ladoga, they predict that alcohol prices will begin to rise gradually as warehouse stocks are depleted, and a noticeable effect will become apparent in the second half of the year. Commercial director of Stellar Group, Alexander Grevtsov, believes that the price increase will occur approximately three months after the duty is implemented.