More than 100 days after what Russia calls a special military operation in Ukraine, alcohol of foreign origin is still available in Moscow pubs, but once abundant stocks are dwindling.
“Sorry, this was the last bottle of Czech beer we had,” said a waiter at a restaurant in central Moscow, a month after Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine and the West imposed sweeping sanctions.
More than 100 days after what Russia calls a special military operation in Ukraine, alcohol of foreign origin is still available in Moscow pubs, but once abundant stocks are dwindling.
“Some pubs have accumulated large stocks when it all started. “But as far as I know, no new deliveries have been ordered and confirmed after February 24,” said Alexander Skirpkin, who runs two bars in Moscow.
Many foreign companies have left Russia and maritime trade has plummeted. pushing the economy and influencing the habits of Russians accustomed to a rich selection of foreign spirits.
“The situation for beer is very bad,” said Anton, a 36-year-old IT specialist working for a state-owned financial institution in Moscow.
“Not to mention Paulaner, Pilsner Urquell and other delicacies, I’m not at all sure if Russian beer came to stay. “There are problems not only with beer imports but even with hops,” he added.
Russian breweries are heavily dependent on imports of raw materials, such as hops.
“The complications of sending money to suppliers in Europe and America, as well as the disruption of supply chains, are now the two most difficult issues,” said the Russian Brewers’ Association, citing Beer Resource, one of the largest distributors. raw materials in Russia for brewers.
The world’s largest foreign container lines – including the top three MSCs, Maersk, CMA CGM – have temporarily suspended shipments to and from Russia, while European Union countries bordering Russia and Belarus have banned entry into Russia. lorries registered in these countries.
“There is no Guinness anymore and it will not return, at least for now,” said a bartender at White Hart, a large English-style pub in central Moscow next to the central bank. He was selling dark beer for 690 rubles ($ 10.83) per pint.
Diageo, which produces Smirnoff and Guinness vodka, started its own distribution in Russia in 2006 and once had huge growth potential in the country. It said in March it had suspended all exports to Russia as well as local production of its beer.
But Guinness, which has a lifespan of one year when stored in barrels, is still available at two nearby pubs, where bartenders said they were selling stocks with little hope of being replenished soon.
“We have stocks that will last for half a year,” said a spokesman for the Moscow-based beer importer Nice Beer.
Foreign-made hard alcohol could also become rare.
The warehouses are almost empty and the restaurants are selling old stock, said Sergei Mironov, a mediator in Moscow restaurants, the state-run RIA news agency reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that sanctions will boom in the West and provide new opportunities for Russian companies.
As the flow of foreign spirits drains, bars and shops are considering local beverage production.
“We started looking for domestic alternatives to foreign beers and, as a result, the choice has changed dramatically. “Imported alcohol is now 20-50% more expensive, while local beers are slightly cheaper than those imported before February 24,” Skirpkin said.
