Moscow, August 15 (Petra) – The budget deficit has risen to $81 billion, an increase of over $9 billion in just one month, amid rising government spending and increasing pressure on public finances.

In a statement issued Saturday, the Russian Finance Ministry announced that total government expenditures have risen to approximately $359 billion, contributing to the widening budget gap. Pressure on public revenues continues, particularly with the decline in oil and gas sector revenues this year, the Ministry explained.

//Petra// AK