Latest Economy News from Russia

Half-Billion Ruble Electricity Theft in St. Petersburg and RegionHalf-Billion Ruble Electricity Theft in St. Petersburg and Region
Half-Billion Ruble Electricity Theft in St. Petersburg and RegionIn 2025, the company Rosseti Lenenergo detected over 2,400 cases of illegal electricity consumption in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, recovering nearly 528 million rubles (about $5.9 million at current rates) from violators.
Gold Sets New Records: Is Now the Time to Buy?Gold Sets New Records: Is Now the Time to Buy?
Gold Sets New Records: Is Now the Time to Buy?The global price of gold has surpassed $5,000 per ounce, and since the beginning of 2026, the metal has appreciated by more than 17%. Analysts forecast further increases in quotations.
Ufa woman's five-figure daily spending saddens herUfa woman's five-figure daily spending saddens her
Ufa woman's five-figure daily spending saddens herA woman from Ufa tracked her spending on what she called her most expensive day, finding she parted with over 30,000 rubles without any major purchases.
Omsk budget rises 600 million rubles for roads and housingOmsk budget rises 600 million rubles for roads and housing
Omsk budget rises 600 million rubles for roads and housingOmsk City Council has approved amendments to the 2026 budget, increasing revenues by nearly 600 million rubles with a promise of a balanced budget.
Primorye Deputies Adjust Budget, Reallocate Construction FundsPrimorye Deputies Adjust Budget, Reallocate Construction Funds
Primorye Deputies Adjust Budget, Reallocate Construction FundsDeputies in Primorye have reallocated budget funds, shifting money from some construction projects to others, including a school on Patroclus, following the first budget adjustment of 2026.
Wages Will Stop Growing: Why Russian Incomes Are Slowing and Could It Lead to RecessionWages Will Stop Growing: Why Russian Incomes Are Slowing and Could It Lead to Recession
Wages Will Stop Growing: Why Russian Incomes Are Slowing and Could It Lead to RecessionRussia's labor market is entering a new phase as rapid wage growth gives way to stagnation, with experts warning of a potential recession and sharply slowing income increases.
Cautious Consumption: How Tula Residents Save on FoodCautious Consumption: How Tula Residents Save on Food
Cautious Consumption: How Tula Residents Save on FoodExperts analyze trends in Russia's consumer market, where people are adopting savings models, cutting costs, and switching to cheaper alternatives.
Restaurant closures and food delivery growth threaten ArkhangelskRestaurant closures and food delivery growth threaten Arkhangelsk
Restaurant closures and food delivery growth threaten ArkhangelskThe Russian restaurant market is experiencing one of its most difficult periods in recent years. Major chains, coffee shops, and bars are winding down or reducing their presence.
Sharp Rise in TGC-14 Shares Agitates Moscow ExchangeSharp Rise in TGC-14 Shares Agitates Moscow Exchange
Sharp Rise in TGC-14 Shares Agitates Moscow ExchangeTGC-14 shares experienced a sharp rise, forcing the Moscow Exchange to halt trading. The suspension occurred on January 27, as reported by T-Bank.
Experts predict dollar could reach 80 in FebruaryExperts predict dollar could reach 80 in February
Experts predict dollar could reach 80 in FebruaryExperts suggest that the US dollar could rise to 80 rubles in February, as support factors for the ruble begin to fade.
Pensioner, Don't Hold Your Breath: State Duma Eyes Quarterly Pension IndexationPensioner, Don't Hold Your Breath: State Duma Eyes Quarterly Pension Indexation
Pensioner, Don't Hold Your Breath: State Duma Eyes Quarterly Pension IndexationHow much pensions can actually increase, no one can say.
Kurgan residents brew more coffee at home as prices riseKurgan residents brew more coffee at home as prices rise
Kurgan residents brew more coffee at home as prices riseCoffee bean prices have increased by nearly 30% over the past year in Kurgan, Russia, leading many to switch from cafes to home brewing.
Cautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on Food — An AnalysisCautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on Food — An Analysis
Cautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on Food — An AnalysisExperts break down consumer market trends, noting a shift towards savings-oriented models, discount stores, and cheaper alternatives as purchasing power remains under pressure.
Cautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on FoodCautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on Food
Cautious Consumption: How Russians Are Saving on FoodMarket analysts and retailers report that Russians are adopting savings-oriented habits, cutting costs on groceries and opting for budget options.
Overdue Loan Debt Drops for Transbaikal Residents After Year of GrowthOverdue Loan Debt Drops for Transbaikal Residents After Year of Growth
Overdue Loan Debt Drops for Transbaikal Residents After Year of GrowthResidents of Transbaikal have intensified debt repayment efforts by December 2025, resulting in the first decrease in overdue loan amounts in a year.
Expert advises changing bank cards every 3-5 years for securityExpert advises changing bank cards every 3-5 years for security
Expert advises changing bank cards every 3-5 years for securityBank cards should be replaced at least every five years to protect funds from fraud, according to Petr Shcherbachenko of Russia's Financial University.
Bananas and sugar prices spike in RyazanBananas and sugar prices spike in Ryazan
Bananas and sugar prices spike in RyazanA new infographic shows the weekly price changes for various products in the Ryazan region.
Central Bank reports 2025 inflation slowdown, price hikes in Voronezh regionCentral Bank reports 2025 inflation slowdown, price hikes in Voronezh region
Central Bank reports 2025 inflation slowdown, price hikes in Voronezh regionPrices rose in the Voronezh region in 2025, but annual inflation slowed to 5.34% by December, with the Central Bank noting some items, like butter, became cheaper.
Every Third Mortgage Borrower Used Maternity Capital in 2025
Every Third Mortgage Borrower Used Maternity Capital in 2025The use of maternity capital in mortgage deals grew by over 70% in 2025. According to VTB, every third borrower utilized this social payment, setting a record for the program.
Samara Region Outstripped St. Petersburg and Moscow. But Don't You Dare RejoiceSamara Region Outstripped St. Petersburg and Moscow. But Don't You Dare Rejoice
Samara Region Outstripped St. Petersburg and Moscow. But Don't You Dare RejoiceThe Bank of Russia reported Samara Region's inflation rate for December 2025. Only 14 other Russian regions are doing worse.
Cheap Sugar, Expensive Restaurants: Inflation Rises in Trans-UralsCheap Sugar, Expensive Restaurants: Inflation Rises in Trans-Urals
Cheap Sugar, Expensive Restaurants: Inflation Rises in Trans-UralsAnnual inflation in the Trans-Urals region increased to 6.49% in December, with sugar and other staples falling in price while restaurants and cafes saw hikes.
Yakutia allocates 8.5 million rubles for head's salary in 2026Yakutia allocates 8.5 million rubles for head's salary in 2026
Yakutia allocates 8.5 million rubles for head's salary in 2026The budget of Yakutia for 2026 has allocated 8.5 million rubles for the salary of the republic's head, Aisen Nikolaev, with millions more for his special flights.
Tula Region inflation at ~7%, above national averageTula Region inflation at ~7%, above national average
Tula Region inflation at ~7%, above national averageAnnual inflation in the Tula region fell to around 7% in December 2025, though price growth remains higher than the national average of 5.6%.
Authorities decline to list halted construction projects in Irkutsk OblastAuthorities decline to list halted construction projects in Irkutsk Oblast
Authorities decline to list halted construction projects in Irkutsk OblastThe head of the Ministry of Construction addressed the issue of suspending and rescheduling projects in late 2025.