Rise In Russian Natural Monopolies Tariffs Not To Exceed 35%

In 2002, Russia's natural monopolies cannot raise their tariffs by more than 35 percent. This decision was taken at a cabinet session on Thursday and voiced at a news briefing in the Russian White House by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Gherman Gref. According to the minister, the Railways Ministry had asked the cabinet about a possibility of raising tariffs on its services by 66 percent, the electric industry - by 44 percent, and the gas industry - by 37.5 percent. The minister explained that the decision concerning the railway monopoly is being made without taking into consideration unification of its internal and export tariffs.