The Russian Ministry of Finance has found a way to cover the costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic and has prepared a draft amendment to the Tax Code, RBC writes.

The agency has planned to increase excise rates on cigarettes, tobacco products and e-cigarettes by 20 percent in 2021 compared to current rates. The Ministry of Finance’s document was approved at the commission on legislative activity [...]

The current version of the Tax Code provides for an increase in the rate of excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine-containing products, and e-cigarettes by 4 percent from 2021.