Economy

China Could Not Compensate Russia for the Loss of European Gas and Coal Markets - GreenThinkTank Analyst Reports

When Europe began to refuse Russian energy carriers in 2022, many expected that one of the main pillars of the Russian economy would be in deep crisis. Formally, this did not happen. Russia remains one of the world's largest exporters of gas and coal, and production volumes in both industries remain high.

Fuel disruptions at gas stations in Krasnodar Territory follow Crimea. Governor attributes them to 'artificial hype'

Residents of Krasnodar Territory are complaining about gasoline shortages at gas stations. According to local media and Telegram channels, problems arose in Krasnodar, Anapa, and on the roads to the coast. Local publications report that some gas stations have run out of gasoline, and queues have formed at some stations.

Parking spaces in new buildings in Moscow have become 46% more expensive in a year amid a near halving of supply

The average cost of a parking space in new buildings in Moscow within the old city limits has increased by 46% over the year, reaching 5.4 million rubles, according to Kommersant, citing data from the consulting company Ricci. Simultaneously, the supply volume has decreased by 44% to 3.2 thousand lots.

In Crimea, product sales begin to be restricted after gasoline. Residents report empty shelves and the disappearance of sugar, grains, and flour

Amidst the ongoing fuel crisis in Crimea and Sevastopol, signs of food shortages have emerged. Residents of the peninsula report empty store shelves, panic buying, and restrictions on the sale of certain goods. This is reported by "Agentstvo" and "Vazhnye Istorii" citing local chats, social media, and videos published by customers.

Deputy Prime Minister Patrushev Asked Putin to Allow Online Wine Sales. His Bank Manages Russia's Largest Winery.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev proposed that Vladimir Putin reconsider draft laws on online sales of Russian wine through the "Russian Post" infrastructure and marketplaces, "Kommersant" reports, citing Patrushev's letter dated May 21. He also proposed legalizing the advertising of Russian wine at its production sites. Rosselkhozbank, associated with Patrushev, currently manages Russia's largest winery, "Kuban-Vino."

The Budget Is in the Red. Sergey Aleksashenko on the Banking Crisis, the Hole in the Russian Budget, and Oil Prices

In a new episode of 'Guns or Butter,' The Insider's economic observer Ekaterina Mereminskaya and economist Sergey Aleksashenko discussed how much the Russian...

"The conjuncture plays in favor of the ruble." Sergey Aleksashenko on why the ruble has strengthened and if it will last

In a new episode of the program "Cannons or Butter," The Insider's economic observer Ekaterina Mereminskaya and economist Sergey Aleksashenko discuss the sudden...

Leader of the "Strong Armenia" Party Karapetyan

The Insider closely studied the history of the villa through the financial statements of the firms through which the ownership was registered. They indicate that structures of "Gazprom" allocated money for the purchase of real estate and the repayment of debts related to its maintenance - free of charge and without hope of return, and Karapetyan himself can be considered only a nominal holder of the property.

Bad Aura. Why AvtoVAZ continues to degrade

AvtoVAZ's business in recent months has been accompanied by conflicting signals. In April 2026, Lada sales grew by 12% year-on-year to 32,000 vehicles. The Granta family leads the model rankings. Vesta and Niva models entered the top 5 best-selling cars in Russia, and Iskra exceeded 3,000 cars sold in a month for the first time.

Authorities are studying an increase in gasoline prices to fund refinery protection from drones, media reported. This is unlikely to help businesses.

The Russian government is considering the possibility of raising gasoline prices to fund the protection of refineries, RBC reported this week, citing sources. Even if such discussions are indeed underway and lead to concrete proposals, an increase in fuel costs is unlikely to help businesses, experts believe. The Insider found out how the protection of enterprises in the Russian Federation is currently organized and who pays for it.

Gini and its master. How Russian authorities manipulate statistics to hide record high inequality

Inequality in Russia has been growing for the third year in a row. In 2025, the incomes of the richest 10% exceeded the incomes of the poorest 10% by almost 17 times. And the main indicator - the Gini coefficient - was 0.422. This is a record figure, which indicates high social stratification.

Is the Russian Economy in Decline? Konstantin Sonin

Marfa Smirnova spoke with economist Konstantin Sonin about the state of the Russian economy: rising prices, internet blockages, attacks on oil refineries, problems...