Business
EU gas reserves reach historic high
The EU continues to receive Russian gas via Ukraine, while LNG shipments have declined to their lowest levels in two years, data shows
Russia mulling minimum beer prices – Izvestia
Russia is set to crack down on cafes that sell cheap alcohol around the clock, the Izvestia newspaper reports
Korean electronics giant loses dominant position in Russia
Samsung’s sales of TV sets in Russia have plummeted this year as Chinese brands take over the market, Kommersant reports
US government has $5 billion worth of bitcoin – WSJ
The US is reportedly one of the world's biggest holders of cryptocurrency as a result of seizures
BRICS now richer than G7 – Putin
The BRICS economies have outperformed the G7 states in terms of purchasing power parity, Russian President Vladimir Putin says
Russia suspends all seafood imports from Japan
The Russian food safety watchdog has banned imports of seafood from Japan after Tokyo began dumping nuclear wastewater from Fukushima
France cuts energy consumption – minister
France’s energy transition ministry has called for continued efforts to reduce energy consumption to avoid shortages
Western oil sanctions helped China save billions of dollars – Reuters
China has reportedly saved $10 billion this year by importing oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela
Baltic states overtake Italy as Russia’s largest wine suppliers – media
Lithuania and Latvia now among top three wine suppliers to Russia, RIA Novosti reports, citing UN trade data
Western partners losing focus on aiding Ukraine – finance minister
Securing financial aid is getting harder for Kiev, as the focus of Western allies shifts, the Ukrainian finance minister says
Partnership with Russia is a ‘national interest’ for Hungary – FM
Budapest will stick to its energy contracts with Russia despite sanctions pressure, Hungary’s FM Peter Szijjarto says
Bloomberg estimates economic cost of Iran-Israel conflict
The global economy would be plunged into a recession if Iran were to go to war with Israel, according to Bloomberg Economics
Russia’s oil revenues surge – IEA
Moscow’s oil exports jumped last month to $18.8 billion, their highest since July 2022, according to the IEA
British shoppers limit spending
UK retail sales have dropped ahead of the Christmas season as the high cost of living squeezes consumers, a survey has revealed
Bulgaria slaps tax on Russian gas
Authorities in Sofia have placed a levy on Russian gas piped across its territory to the broader EU
JPMorgan boss warns of ‘the most dangerous time’
The conflict in Ukraine coupled with the escalation of Israel-Palestine hostilities could have far-reaching consequences, Jamie Dimon says