Will the Russian government control natural-monopolist tariffs?

The Government of Russia advocates 100-percent control over natural-monopolist services. This was disclosed here today by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov at a regular Cabinet conference.

In his state-of-the-nation address, President Vladimir Putin unequivocally made it clear that the Government must assume complete control over monopolist prices, Kasyanov stressed.

At the same time, Kasyanov noted that the Cabinet was so far unable to regulate all regional activities. However, the Government is quite optimistic because State Duma members are already drafting the appropriate legislation, Kasyanov added.

We've got to examine specific pricing-policy components; one can't yet say that the situation is under control; still we must accomplish this objective, Kasyanov said in conclusion.