Since the spring of 2026, Ukrainians have been permitted to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines at gas stations. Capitalizing on this trend, major grocery retail chains are now seeking entry into this lucrative segment, aiming to capture a significant share of the pharmaceutical market. Predictably, representatives of traditional pharmacy chains are strongly opposing any expansion of the authorized seller network. This was reported by Dengi.ua, referencing an investigative publication by Economic Pravda.
While the official reasons for the pushback vary, market participants recognize the core driver: traditional pharmacy chains are desperate to protect their profit margins. Historically, strict state regulations shielded the pharmaceutical market from broader retail competition, completely barring supermarkets from stocking medicinal products.
Financial disclosures for 2025 reveal that total pharmaceutical sales through Ukrainian pharmacies reached UAH 171 billion. Of this volume, OTC drugs accounted for roughly UAH 60 billion, representing a total of 804 million units sold throughout the year. When factoring in non-medicinal pharmacy inventory - such as specialized cosmetics and dietary supplements - the total market volume surpasses UAH 221 billion.
According to industry sources, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Ukraine has drafted an appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers proposing legislative amendments that would authorize licensed food retail chains to sell OTC medications. The initiative is backed by AmCham members including Silpo, Metro, and Auchan, which operate hundreds of retail locations nationwide. The proposal stipulates that supermarkets could obtain licenses to sell specified OTC drugs, provided that food products constitute at least 50% of the retailer's total inventory.
Interviews with key pharmaceutical sector players indicate that pharmacy chains are prepared to aggressively defend their market monopoly. They are already brainstorming retaliatory commercial measures if the Cabinet of Ministers approves the deregulation.
"We can mount fierce competition against them in their own core categories, such as baby food. Right now, we aren't aggressively pursuing that niche, but if they encroach on pharmaceuticals, we will be ready to strike back," a senior representative of a major pharmacy chain warned.
