Beermakers are forecasting a rise in the price of a pint due to sharp increases in wheat and barley costs after months of drought and recent fires in Russia.

Russia and neighbouring Ukraine have drastically restricted exports of the grains in the past month, leading to near-record prices on the commodity markets.

Brewers negotiating prices for production in the next few months are set to see costs rise.

"The wheat crop issue in Russia is likely to see the cost of beer production rise, adding to the pressures the brewing sector is experiencing," said Stephen Lynam, senior executive with the Irish Brewers Association. "Time will tell if the impact is lasting or not."