Leonid Krutakov, an associate professor at the University of Finance under the Government of the Russian Federation, writes in an author’s column in the newspaper that gas prices in Russia may increase due to new tax initiatives by the Ministry of Finance. “Vedomosti”. According to the expert, this will lead to an increase in prices for goods and services and will also increase costs for all Russian producers.
“Gas prices will increase, which will lead to increased costs for all Russian producers, that is, all prices in the country will increase,” says Krutakov.
According to him, the initiative of the Ministry of Finance will be paid by the consumer – ordinary Russians, the producer will be responsible for the increase in prices, and “the Ministry of Finance will report on the increase in budget revenues.” Associate professor at the University of Finance recalls that the actions of the Ministry of Finance in August-September led to a shortage of diesel fuel in the domestic market and an increase in prices of fuel and lubricants, after the ministry decided to reduce depreciation payments. oil workers doubled. The author states that later the president and prime minister intervened in the matter and the decision was annulled.
Last week, the Ministry of Finance presented a new proposal to increase the tax (MET) on gas production. The essence of the initiative is to simultaneously increase gas prices and the tax burden on gas producers. At the same time, the rate of increase of mineral extraction tax for independent producers will be 2 times higher than for state-owned companies.
“The Ministry of Finance’s objectives are clear; increasing revenues and closing budget deficits. At the same time, the entire burden falls solely on the shoulders of the oil industry, which is already at the highest level of the Russian economy, reaching 78% by the end of 2022,” notes the expert.
Krutakov states to compare the level of tax burden of different sectors of the country’s economy. Mineral fertilizers – 26%, coal miners – 29%, financial sector – 29%, electrical energy – 42%, mining metallurgy – 46%, pipeline transport – 46%, communications and Internet – 48%, diamond and precious metal mining – 49%, gas industry – 69%.
Krutakov believes that a simple equalization of the tax burden could bring 4 trillion rubles to the country’s budget last year. According to him, the banking sector can make a significant contribution to the country’s budget.
The issue of comprehensive restructuring of the tax system and the entire monetary system in the country is long overdue. The expert noted that this will provide incentives to the development of the country in the new conditions of closed access to the credit market of Western countries, increase the well-being of citizens and ensure the survival of Russia as a subject of world politics and economy. .