**Russia Reactivates Special Economic Commission to Monitor Struggling Industries**
Russia has reactivated a special economic commission to monitor struggling industries and implement relief measures. The commission was initially created during the Covid-19 pandemic to help businesses affected by the crisis.
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the commission resumed work in December 2024 and is focusing on nine key sectors and over 2,000 enterprises. Novak said that one of the primary risks facing these industries is a decline in investment activity.
**Struggling Industries**
Several industries are experiencing sharp downturns due to Western sanctions and falling exports. Coal companies are facing an 80 billion ruble ($845 million) loss from plummeting exports, prompting fears of mass bankruptcies. The government is already formulating support measures for these industries.
The agricultural sector is also distressed, suffering from drought and poor harvests. Russia’s wheat production declined by 16% in 2024, while corn, barley, and sugar beet yields dropped by nearly 20%.
**Inflation Concerns**
Consumer prices rose 9.5% in 2024 and have since climbed to 9.9% year over year. The Russian Central Bank sees “no signs of a sustainable slowdown in price growth” due to sanctions, currency depreciation, and high defense spending.
The Central Bank forecasts inflation to drop to 5.2% and 8.6% by the end of 2025. Its next policy meeting on February 14 will determine further economic stabilization measures.
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