Latest Economy News from Russia

New large market prepares to open in KurganNew large market prepares to open in Kurgan
New large market prepares to open in KurganA market located behind the Nekrasovskaya Fair in Kurgan may open this year. Its opening has been delayed for several years.
Composite Valley Center Tula Costs 5 Billion RublesComposite Valley Center Tula Costs 5 Billion Rubles
Composite Valley Center Tula Costs 5 Billion RublesThe construction of a scientific center for the Composite Valley cluster in Tula will cost 5 billion rubles, as announced at a higher education council meeting.
Snowfalls Soften Frost for Don CropsSnowfalls Soften Frost for Don Crops
Snowfalls Soften Frost for Don CropsHeavy snowfalls in the Rostov region have provided additional soil moisture and protected winter crops from damaging frosts, according to regional Agriculture Minister Anna Kasyanenko.
Snowfall Protects Rostov Winter Crops from FrostSnowfall Protects Rostov Winter Crops from Frost
Snowfall Protects Rostov Winter Crops from FrostHeavy snowfall in Rostov Oblast protected winter crops from severe frosts, according to regional Agriculture Minister Anna Kasyanenko. Soil moisture levels are higher this year.
Mortgage in January 2026: Record 430 Billion Rubles
Mortgage in January 2026: Record 430 Billion RublesIn January 2026, the Russian mortgage market achieved record results: the volume of loans issued reached 430 billion rubles (approximately $4.8 billion at current rates) according to VTB estimates. The figure tripled compared to January last year.
Murmansk Oblast Raises Unemployment BenefitsMurmansk Oblast Raises Unemployment Benefits
Murmansk Oblast Raises Unemployment BenefitsFrom February, unemployment benefits in Murmansk Oblast were indexed by 5.6%, raising financial support for registered job seekers.
Rostov sheep farming shifts to meat productionRostov sheep farming shifts to meat production
Rostov sheep farming shifts to meat productionThe sheep population in the region decreased by 37.5% over the year, reaching 486,400 head. The main reason is the lack of demand for wool.
Wool Unwanted: Sheep Farming Slashed in RostovWool Unwanted: Sheep Farming Slashed in Rostov
Wool Unwanted: Sheep Farming Slashed in RostovSheep numbers in the Rostov region have more than halved in six years, driven by a sharp drop in wool demand.
Yakutia allocates nearly 2B rubles for free gasYakutia allocates nearly 2B rubles for free gas
Yakutia allocates nearly 2B rubles for free gasThe Yakutia government allocated nearly 2 billion rubles ($22.2 million at current rates) to connect over 2,000 homes to gas for free under the Social Gasification program, the Ministry of Industry and Geology announced on 4 February.
Stagnant Wages: Ryazan Incomes Slow, Recession LoomsStagnant Wages: Ryazan Incomes Slow, Recession Looms
Stagnant Wages: Ryazan Incomes Slow, Recession LoomsThe Russian labor market, including the Ryazan region, is cooling after years of rapid salary growth, with forecasts showing sharp slowdown in income growth and possible recession in 2026.
Russian Wage Growth Slows as Recession Risk GrowsRussian Wage Growth Slows as Recession Risk Grows
Russian Wage Growth Slows as Recession Risk GrowsAfter years of rapid growth, Russia's labor market is cooling, with real wage growth expected to slow to 1.2–1.7% from 2026 and the economy potentially entering recession, according to a leading macroeconomic center.
Yakutia bread prices up 4%, further hikes fearedYakutia bread prices up 4%, further hikes feared
Yakutia bread prices up 4%, further hikes fearedYakutsk Bakery Combine has raised bread prices by 4-7% starting February 5, citing rising raw material, utility, and logistics costs. Another local bakery also increased prices, with further hikes expected in April due to tax changes.
Russia imposes 1 million ruble monthly cash limitRussia imposes 1 million ruble monthly cash limit
Russia imposes 1 million ruble monthly cash limitHow the new Finance Ministry restriction will affect citizens, businesses and the banking system.
VEB.RF and Krasnoyarsk Region Agree on Drone LogisticsVEB.RF and Krasnoyarsk Region Agree on Drone Logistics
VEB.RF and Krasnoyarsk Region Agree on Drone LogisticsDuring a business mission to the region, VEB.RF Chairman Igor Shuvаlov and ASI CEO Svetlana Chupsheva signed an agreement to deploy drones in logistics, forestry, and other sectors.
Novokuznetsk budget cut 10%: where will money go?Novokuznetsk budget cut 10%: where will money go?
Novokuznetsk budget cut 10%: where will money go?Novokuznetsk's 2026 budget has been slashed by more than 10%, requiring significant cuts across nearly all sectors of the city's finances.
Putin: Prices up, inflation to dip to 5%Putin: Prices up, inflation to dip to 5%
Putin: Prices up, inflation to dip to 5%President Vladimir Putin said inflation accelerated to 6.4% in January due to tax system adjustments, but expects it to slow to 5% by year end.
Ex-CEO of Drone Factory Charged with AbuseEx-CEO of Drone Factory Charged with Abuse
Ex-CEO of Drone Factory Charged with AbuseProperty of former director Igor Khokhlov has been seized worth 20 million rubles ($222,200). He has given a confession in a case of fraud under a state defense contract.
Stop Blaming Neighbors for Rising Utility BillsStop Blaming Neighbors for Rising Utility Bills
Stop Blaming Neighbors for Rising Utility BillsMany residents believe they pay for neighbors' unpaid utility bills, but experts explain that rising costs stem from opaque calculations of common house needs (ODN) and suggest transparency and maintenance checks.
Ex-Director of Drone Firm Suspected in Defense Order FraudEx-Director of Drone Firm Suspected in Defense Order Fraud
Ex-Director of Drone Firm Suspected in Defense Order FraudFormer general director of JSC Gorizont, which produces unmanned aircraft systems, is suspected of abuse of authority while executing a state defense contract. Igor Khokhlov has given a confession, and his property has been seized.
Volgograd: Gasoline Prices Rise, Economist Explains ReasonsVolgograd: Gasoline Prices Rise, Economist Explains Reasons
Volgograd: Gasoline Prices Rise, Economist Explains ReasonsThe cost of gasoline in the Volgograd region has increased by 10.1% over the year. Economist Igor Belskikh explained the reasons for this rise.
Volgograd fuel prices soar; economist explains reasonsVolgograd fuel prices soar; economist explains reasons
Volgograd fuel prices soar; economist explains reasonsAmid rising fuel costs in Volgograd, an economist discusses the reasons and whether stability is expected in 2026.
T-Technologii to Fully Consolidate Tochka Bank by 2026T-Technologii to Fully Consolidate Tochka Bank by 2026
T-Technologii to Fully Consolidate Tochka Bank by 2026The T-Technologii group intends to acquire up to 100% of the shares of digital bank Tochka in autumn 2026. In parallel, the company has proposed a stock split in a 1:10 ratio.
Rosprirodnadzor Sues Ilim Over Environmental FeesRosprirodnadzor Sues Ilim Over Environmental Fees
Rosprirodnadzor Sues Ilim Over Environmental FeesRussia's environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor has filed a lawsuit against Ilim Group, seeking over 840 million rubles in payments for environmental damage in 2024.
Last Bukvin bookstore in Kurgan closingLast Bukvin bookstore in Kurgan closing
Last Bukvin bookstore in Kurgan closingThe last store of the Bukvin book chain in Kurgan is closing due to competition from online marketplaces and declining readership.
Tula Region Allocates 9.8M for Hot Water TestsTula Region Allocates 9.8M for Hot Water Tests
Tula Region Allocates 9.8M for Hot Water TestsThe Tula region will allocate 9.8 million rubles ($98,200 at current rates) for laboratory testing of hot water from boiler houses in 2026, according to a draft contract published on the state procurement portal.