Minister says Russian GDP falls by 1.8% in January–March

MOSCOW, Apr 2 (PRIME) -- Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) will fall by the same 1.8% in January–March as in October–December, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said late on Thursday.

"In the first quarter, the figures will probably be more or less like the ones in the fourth quarter of last year," the official said, adding that the calendar factor will affect the situation because 2020 was a leap year.

He also said that the ministry could adjust the 2021 GDP forecast from the current 3.3% rise. "The figures are in general clear, we will adjust them. Whereas 2020 grew so significantly, we will have to cut a bit for 2021," he said.

The ministry earlier forecasted a 3.9% decline of the economy in 2020 but according to an earlier statement by Reshetnikov, the estimate can be changed to 3.8%.

End %%mk/jst%%