Last week the BBC reported that Russian authorities are imposing a minimum price for vodka as part of a campaign to reduce alcoholism in the country.

The cost of a 500ml bottle is set to be increased to around $3.35. While this may not seem like a whopping price hike to many the  average Russian earns just under 18,000 rubles ($660) a month, and illegal vodka can be found for as little as 40 rubles ($1.50).

Experts estimate that sales of bootleg vodka in Russia make up almost 50 per cent of all vodka drunk by Russians. Further research complied by the Clinical Trial Service Unit (CTSU) at the University of Oxford and released last year  pointed out that 59% of premature deaths in men and 33% of deaths in women between the ages of 15-54 in Russia are caused by alcohol. Most of these alcohol-attributed deaths were from alcohol poisoning, accidents, violence, or one of eight disease groups strongly related to alcohol, such as TB, pneumonia, pancreatitis or liver disease.

Not surprising considering that, on average, Russians drink 34 bottles a year of vodka per year for every man, woman and child.

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev says he is determined to to cut that figure by at least a quarter by 2012.

Government spokeswoman Tatyana Yakoleva says alcohol consumption is out of control in Russia and steps had to be taken.

“Around 900,000 people die of alcoholism in Russia every year, and this figure grows as more young people start to drink,” she said.

“Where in the world can you find vodka for $1 per bottle? I think only in the Russian Federation.”