KIEV, Dec. 23 – The shadow vodka market in 2017 could expand to 65% compared to 50% this year, the Ukrvodka association said.

"The market is sliding to the shadows, and the number of fake vodka poison victims is growing. After increasing the excise duties by 20%, the share of the illegal market would grow from 50% to 65%," Ukrvodka head Volodymyr Ostapiuk told Interfax-Ukraine.

He said that the association is disappointed by the decision of the parliament to increase excise duties by 20%, as initially parliamentarians discussed the 12% rise.