Economy Minister Comments On Consequences Of Rise In Tariffs

Russian Minister for Economic Development and Trade German Gref reported that the maximum rise in tariffs of natural monopolies that was set at 35 per cent today would lead to a total increase in expenditures of Russian industrial enterprises of 4.3 per cent. He agreed that a rise in tariffs of natural monopolies will definitely infringe on the interests of all end-consumers. In addition, he recalled that coal prices will go up 30 per cent starting on January 1, 2002. Despite this German Gref is sure that Russia will be able to maintain the current macroeconomic parameters.