The BarentsObserver reports that the number of poor Russians are decreasing. This is very good news. Still more than 13 percent of Russians are living for less than 4005 rubels a month. That equals 170 US dollars or 840 Norwegian kroner. This is not much at a time when foodprices are soaring.

Until the first of May Russia had a price freeze on “basic essentials”. The St. Petersburg Times report that: “A regular bottle of vegetable oil in St. Petersburg cost about 50 rubles ($2) in April but by May it cost up to 80 rubles ($3.25). In September last year it cost about 28 rubles ($1.10).”  These prices don’t leave you with much if you are living on less than 4000 rubles a month.

Lets just hope that the new found Russian oil wealth can be succsessfully translated into productive industries to give people work and a living salary.