Putin Orders Tight Oversight of Utility Tariffs After Inflation-Driven Increases

Overview

• Putin said housing and communal service tariffs are rising because of inflation and must grow only in moderation.
• He cautioned that price changes should not take on a spontaneous or chaotic character.
• He instructed the Federal Antimonopoly Service and regional tariff commissions to enforce strict oversight of adjustments.
• He urged government and regional colleagues to rule out any unjustified increases.
• The statements, delivered at the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights meeting, did not unveil new controls and were reported by RIA Novosti on Dec. 9.