Russia has raised the price of vodka to reduce the production of counterfeit alcohol and control binge drinking.

As per the decree passed by the finance ministry, the new prices have come into effect from 13 June.

The minimum retail price of half a litre of vodka stands at RUR190 ($2.9), reported the Moscow Times. Before the decree, the minimum price was RUR185 ($2.8m).

"In 2015, the minimum price of vodka was reduced from RUR220 ($3.3) to RUR185."

In 2009, the government set a minimum price for the first time and since then, it has been steadily increasing the price of vodka.

In 2015, the minimum price of vodka was reduced from RUR220 ($3.3) to RUR185 after President Vladimir Putin said that increased price will only lead to surge in consumption of counterfeit drinks, reported the RBC news website.

Research Center for Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets director Vadim Drobiz was quoted by the Moscow Times as saying that the latest price increase will not lead to any drastic changes as most of the vodka brands available in the country are priced above the minimum pricing limit set by the government.

"Raising the minimum retail price by 5 rubles is a purely political decision; many say that vodka is too cheap, and here’s the reaction of the state," Drobiz was quoted as saying by RBC.

A study released earlier this year indicated that the country’s exports of vodka and spirits had a hit decade low in 2015, as a result of political tensions with the west.