Symbolic imageRussian GDP beats forecasts as fuel rationing returns
Rosstat put second-quarter growth at 1.3% on Wednesday, above official forecasts. Petrol queues and purchase limits have returned in a dozen regions after Ukrainian refinery strikes.
The preliminary Rosstat estimate, published on Wednesday, 12 August, shows growth resuming after a 0.2% first-quarter contraction, carried by retail turnover up 7.2% and manufacturing up 2%. The central bank had forecast 0.8%, the Economic Development Ministry 0.9%, The Bell noted. Its minister, Maxim Reshetnikov, credited government and central bank efforts. Annual inflation eased to 5.98% in July, from 6.02% in June.
Queues and odd-even refuelling
Hours-long queues hit at least 12 regions, by a count from the outlet 7x7. Sochi capped sales on Tuesday citing logistical disruptions and urged drivers to leave their cars at home; Orenburg set 30-litre limits and odd-even refuelling, with Lipetsk following from Thursday. Officials have not acknowledged the new wave.
First petrol cargo from India
Russia took its first gasoline cargo from India on 5 August, from Nayara Energy, part-owned by Rosneft, Bloomberg reported citing Kpler. The tanker Cyclone loaded about 42,000 tons in June.
Firms arm against drones
Corporate spending on drone defences rose 6.6-fold year on year in the first half, to 441.3 million rubles, Vedomosti reported citing Tenderplan.
Other opinions
TASS carries the growth and inflation data and Reshetnikov's recovery message without the fuel shortages.