OREANDA-NEWS. July 10, 2012. Sales of alcoholic beverages declined in Belarus year-on-year in January-May 2012, while cigarette sales expanded, according to official statistics.

Sales of alcohol and beer in January-May 2012 reached 5.8 trillion Belarusian rubles (USD 700 million), 10.4% of the total retail turnover.

Sales of hard drinks reached 3.894 million decaliters, down 6% year-on-year.

Sales of beer increased 1.8% year-on-year in January-May to 13.179 million decaliters.

Sales of cigarettes rose 2.1% on the year in January-May 2012 to 9.9 billion units.

Alcohol prices increased 2.54 fold year-on-year in January-May 2011; prices rose 2.54 times in May 2012 on the year and 3.9% from April 2012.

Cigarette prices increased 2.4 times on the year in January-May 2012. Prices rose 142% on the year in May 2012 and 0.1% on the month.