WHO calls for tobacco and alcohol prices to rise by 50% by 2035

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an increase in the prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035. This was announced on Thursday, July 3, on the organization's website.

"WHO has launched a major new initiative calling on countries to raise real prices for tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through taxes on healthcare," the report says.

It clarifies that the aim of the initiative is to curb chronic diseases and generate critical government revenue. According to the organization, the initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising $1 trillion over the next 10 years.

"Between 2012 and 2022, almost 140 countries increased tobacco taxes, which led to an average increase in real prices of more than 50%, indicating the possibility of widespread changes," the WHO added.

Red and White movement: The launch of online wine sales is possible in 2026

The sale will be carried out with age confirmation through biometrics and protection against counterfeiting.

Alexander Lipilin, executive director of Fort wine trading company, said last November that in 2024, prices for imported wine had already increased significantly: in the category up to 1,000 rubles, the price increase was 50-70%, and in the segment from 1,000 to 4,000 rubles — about 30-40%. Russian wines have risen in price more modestly, by about 20%.