Russia is raising the price of vodka by about one third to at least 170 rubles (about 4.20 euros) for a half-litre bottle, Interfax news agency said Wednesday.
The price hike is due to sharply higher taxes for hard alcoholic drinks, said Interfax, citing government officials. Prices for spirits such as brandy and cognac will also rise.
Alcoholism is a major health hazard in Russia, killing hundreds of thousands of people per year.