Russia pays oil firms 197.3B rubles in August fuel stabilization subsidies

Russia's Finance Ministry disbursed 197.3 billion rubles to oil companies in August under the fuel stabilization mechanism, reflecting sustained government support to cap domestic fuel prices. The payment underscores fiscal strain from subsidy costs amid ongoing sanctions and price caps, but does not signal a policy shift. The scale of subsidies may pressure budget balances and highlight the Kremlin's balancing act between export revenues and domestic price stability.