London, Oct. 24 - Russia is introducing price controls on some basic foods in an effort to prevent spiraling prices from denting the popularity of President Vladimir Putin's administration ahead of parliamentary polls in December, the Financial Times reports Wednesday.
The country's biggest food retailers and producers have reached an agreement, expected to be signed with the government Wednesday, to freeze prices at Oct. 15 levels on selected types of bread, cheese, milk, eggs and vegetable oil until the end of the year.
The Russian economy ministry is also examining whether to increase a 10% export tariff on wheat planned for November to 30% to keep its domestic market well supplied.