KIEV, Nov. 8 - The Ukrainian government has decided to increase the minimum retail price of vodka by 15.3% and introduce this increase in two stages: the prices will go up by 9.2% in the next few days, and by another 5.6% from March 1, 2013.

The floor price of a 0.5-liter bottle of vodka in retail outlets will grow from UAH 26.10 to UAH 28.50, and then by 30.1% from March 1, 2013.

The resolution foresees an increase in the minimum wholesale price of vodka and alcoholic beverages (spirits) from the current UAH 88.50 per liter of 100% alcohol by volume to UAH 96.18, and further to UAH 101.60 from March 1, 2013. The minimum price in retail outlets will grow from UAH 130.50 to UAH 142.50, and then to UAH 150.50 per liter of 100% alcohol by volume.