Russia Cuts Price of Vodka Amid Double-Digit Inflation

[pampango]

Russia has dropped the minimum price of vodka by 16 percent in an attempt to ward off a rise in moonshine consumption, spurred on by the falling ruble and contracting economy. As of Sunday, the minimum price of vodka is now 185 rubles ($2.60) for half a liter, down from 220 rubles ($3.10).

The minimum retail price for vodka was first set in 2009 as part of a crackdown on binge drinking. In 2014 the minimum price was raised from 89 rubles ($1.20) to 199 rubles ($2.80) and then to a record high of 220 rubles ($3.16) per bottle.

According to official figures, the overall rate of inflation in Russia was 11.4 percent in 2014, picking up to 13 percent by the end of January. Inflation has been driven up by the falling ruble, which has sunk over 50 percent since last summer under the weight of Western sanctions and the falling price of oil, Russia's main export. Russia's economy is expected to contract by at least 3 percent this year.

In its 2014 global status report on alcohol and health, the World Health Organization rated Russia and Ukraine as two countries with the most risky patterns of drinking, based on the countries' Patterns of Drinking Score, which measures the impact on alcohol consumption on people's health and well-being.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-cuts-price-of-vodka-amid-double-digit-inflation/515217.html

[FLPanhandle]

1. Not even Putin better get between the Russians and their Vodka

The old Soviet Union learned that rule the few times they tried.

[shenmue]

2. Meanwhile here, it's $20-$50

What am I doing wrong?

[NuclearDem]

4. I think we need to start with annexing Cuba.

Then when things go to shit, cheap vodka!

[Brother Buzz]

6. Mmm, cheap rum.

[Brother Buzz]

5. Maybe you need to break the law....

and distill your own.

My weekend seminar will teach you how do it. All you need is propane burner, a beer keg, a giant wok, two brick, a large supply of ice, and a rabbit bowl. That, and good source of fermented product, be it grain, fruit, or vegetable origin.

[shenmue]

7. Wowsers

[Duckhunter935]

3. Putin can not afford to lose his popularity

cheap booze helps