5 Dec 2017 11:59

RSPP warns against mass shutdown of hazardous facilities for World Cup

MOSCOW. Dec 5 (Interfax) - The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) has asked the government to clarify exactly which hazardous production facilities in cities hosting the 2018 World Cup will be required to shut down for the duration of the championships.

If the shutdown will apply to all hazardous production facilities that could theoretically be subject to it under a government resolution issued in June, there could be "extremely unfavourable social and economic consequences," including a fuel shortage in the Moscow region, the business group warned.

RSPP head Alexander Shokhin laid out the concerns of businesses in a letter he sent to First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov last week, a source familiar with the document told Interfax.

Shuvalov's office confirmed to Interfax that the letter was received and is now being reviewed.