Russia · Country watch

Russia Raises Alcohol Tariffs, Crimea Faces Power Cuts

Russia hikes tariffs on imported alcohol, while Crimea experiences power outages due to an external grid failure.

Florent Kalfon · 4 November 2026 · 14 articles read

The picture Stable How this is judged →

Business conditions in Russia remain stable with new tariffs on alcohol imports and power disruptions in Crimea, balanced by rising demand for local goods.

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In this briefing Government of Russia · Oleg Kryuchkov · Crimea · Crimean Bridge · Ozon

Regulation

Retail
Logistics

Russia increases tariffs on imported strong alcohol

The Russian government has increased import tariffs on strong alcoholic beverages from countries considered unfriendly. The tariffs have been raised from 20% to 35%, with a minimum charge of 5 euros per liter, according to RG.ru and Interfax. This move is part of Russia's ongoing response to geopolitical tensions and aims to reduce reliance on imports from these countries.

Impact Importers of strong alcoholic beverages from affected countries face higher costs due to the increased tariffs.

Sources: RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta ↗, interfax ↗, infox.ru ↗

Disruption

Energy
Public sector

Power supply restrictions imposed in Crimea

Power supply restrictions have been imposed in Crimea due to a failure in the power grid outside the peninsula, according to Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the head of Crimea. Restoration efforts are underway to address the outage, as reported by Izvestia and RIA. Residents have been urged to remain calm while the situation is being resolved.

Impact Businesses and residents in Crimea face operational disruptions due to the ongoing power supply restrictions.

Sources: Izvestia ↗, RIA ↗, interfax ↗

Logistics

Crimean Bridge temporarily closed to traffic

The Crimean Bridge has been temporarily closed to vehicular traffic, according to reports from Interfax and RG.ru. The closure is part of ongoing infrastructure assessments and maintenance activities. The bridge is a critical link for transportation and logistics in the region, and its closure may impact supply chains and travel.

Impact Logistics and transportation companies face delays and rerouting challenges due to the temporary closure of the Crimean Bridge.

Sources: interfax ↗, RG.ru Rossiyskaya Gazeta ↗

Markets

Retail

Demand for Russian-made goods surges by 70%

Demand for Russian-made goods has surged by 70% in the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to Ozon, a major Russian e-commerce platform. The platform reported 1.8 billion orders for domestically produced items, reflecting a growing consumer preference for local products. This trend is likely influenced by geopolitical tensions and increased tariffs on imported goods, as reported by RIA and infox.ru.

Impact Retailers and manufacturers of Russian-made goods benefit from increased domestic demand, boosting sales and production.

Sources: RIA ↗, infox.ru ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Trade · Politics.