Alcohol consumption in Russia has reached its lowest level since 1996

Alcohol consumption in Russia in August decreased to 7.52 liters per person, which was the lowest level since 1996. Such statistics were studied by "RIA Novosti" on September 13.

It is noted that since the beginning of the year, alcohol consumption has decreased by 0.54 liters and amounted to 7.52 liters per capita over the past 12 months. Previously, a comparable level was recorded in 1996, when the figure was about 7.5 liters.

At the same time, data for the period up to 2008 are based on limited statistics that take into account only official alcohol sales. Research shows that in the 1990s, the illegal sector occupied a significant share of the market.

Dry figures: why beer and vodka production in Russia is falling

The decline in output is influenced by both excise taxes and the behavior of Russians.

From the data of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for August 2026, it became known on September 11 that Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan became the regions of Russia with the lowest alcohol consumption. The top ten regions with minimal alcohol consumption also included Kabardino-Balkaria (2.01 liters), Karachay-Cherkessia (2.72 liters), Stavropol Territory (3.43 liters), Tyva (4.15 liters), North Ossetia—Alania (4.18 liters), Moscow (4.45 liters) and Rostov Region (5.18 liters).

On Sobriety Day on September 11, restrictions on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages will be in effect in 18 regions of the Russian Federation. This year, 18 regions have imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol during the day on September 11. These included the Republics of Altai, Buryatia, Mari El and Udmurtia; Belgorod, Vologda, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Kemerovo, Murmansk, Saratov and Sverdlovsk Regions; Kamchatka and Trans-Baikal Territories; the Jewish Autonomous Region.