SURPRISE? QUITE PREDICTABLE
Russia experiences a surge in domestic crude and oil products prices. According to Moscow Fuel Association, from the beginning of the year gasoline retail prices hiked by 19–20% (Goskomstat, government's statistic arm, puts the figure at 16.8%), while wholesale prices gained some 27–30%. The government has already admitted that it has little if no control over the situation. An array of state agencies tries to influence the situation: the list of offered remedies features diverse options, but it is clear that none alone will be sufficient.
Reprint of the materials is prohibited without written consent of the authors, other uses require reference to the original. Electronic media quotations of the materials published in the magazine and on the site are permitted only on condition of linking to this site after the quote.