Russian econ ministry readies alternative tariff-hike plan pegged to inflation
MOSCOW. July 5 (Interfax) - Russia's Economic Development Ministry has drawn up an alternative plan for hiking tariffs that ties them to the inflation level, but is saying this should not be considered a basis for working up a budget for the country, Deputy Economic Development Minister Andrei Klepach told the press on Tuesday.
This alternative tariff scenario aims at appreciably lowering the rate of gas-price growth for industry, Klepach said. In 2012, the gas-price growth rate could be 6% (instead of the planned 15%), in 2013 - 5.5% (15%), in 2014 - 5% (15%).
The pace of the tariff increase for railway freightage next year could be 6% under the alternative plan (7.4% proposed), in 2013 - 5.5% (6.4%), in 2014 - 5% (5.5%).
The rate of growth among tariffs and market prices for electricity for industry next year could be 4%-6% (14%-15% planned earlier), in 2013 - 4%-6.5% (17%-18%), in 2014 - 4%-6.5% as well (16%-17%).
In the event that this alternative scenario is adopted, Klepach said, the level of inflation could be lower than previously targeted by three percentage points annually.