Shuvalov denies links between new tariff hikes delay with election strategy

Russians have refused to appreciate the government’s magnanimity that had postponed the introduction of the new tariffs from the traditional January 1 to July 1, seeing the decision as another case of election year maneuver.

The government did not expect such reactions; and consequently, was forced to explain its actions. “This shift is very important in terms of fighting inflation,” First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov added. “This is just a coincidence, it could have happened in 2010, and we don’t want, honestly speaking, to delay it till 2013.”