Ukrspyrt has suspended shipment of alcohol for export due to the increased demand for medical alcohol in Ukraine because of the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the company has said.
“We have taken the state’s position, first of all, to take care of Ukrainians. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are seeing an increased demand for medical alcohol not only domestically but also externally. Therefore, we decided to suspend export of alcohol. First we need to fully provide the Ukrainian market. We consider it is unacceptable if medical institutions turn to us with a request to sell alcohol, but we don’t have it. Therefore, we take care of the needs of our medical sector,” Ukrspyrt acting head Serhiy Bleskun said.
The company indicated that exports would be restored after the domestic market of Ukraine is fully provided.
As reported, Ukrspyrt in 2019 increased its net profit by 1.9 times compared to 2018, to UAH 40.3 million. Alcohol production fell by 5%, to 5.9 million decaliters.
State-owned enterprise Ukrspyrt is a large producer of alcohol and alcohol containing products in Ukraine. It is managed by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture. Its total production capacity is more than 36 million deciliters per year. The work is provided by 41 production sites, while in March 2020 only ten are operating.
Now the company is being prepared for transfer to the State Property Fund for privatization
