Prices for cigarettes and alcohol in Ukraine are rising, will remain affordable only for the wealthy

Over the past year, cigarette prices in Ukraine have increased significantly. Currently, the cost of some brands exceeds 135 hryvnias per pack, and forecasts indicate a further increase in prices. This information is confirmed by statistics provided by the State Statistics Service.

According to published data, the average price of cigarettes in the country over the year has increased by an average of about 30 hryvnias per pack. Thus, in June 2025, the cheapest cigarettes already cost more than 100 hryvnias:

Cigarettes with a filter of domestic production increased in price by 33.1%, reaching an average cost of 106.4 hryvnias per pack;
Cigarettes in the middle price segment became more expensive by 31.3%, with a price of 116.5 hryvnias per pack;
In the premium segment, prices increased by 27.5% and today are about 135.2 hryvnias per pack.
The main reason for such a significant increase in cost was the increase in excise duty. Ukraine also observed an increase in alcohol prices, but its pace was not as rapid as in the case of tobacco products:

The price of vodka increased by 3.6%, to 119.6 hryvnias per 0.5-liter bottle;

The cost of Ukrainian wine increased by 8.0% to 120.1 hryvnias per 0.7-liter bottle;

The price of beer increased by 12.5%, reaching 36.0 hryvnias per 0.5-liter bottle.

The National Bank of Ukraine confirmed information about the planned sharp increase in excise duties for 2025, and a more gradual increase is expected in 2026-2028. Accordingly, over the next three years, prices for products subject to excise duty are likely to grow less rapidly.