UPDATE: Econ ministry opposes extra tax on some industries – source

(Adds ministry's position in headline, lede, second paragraph)

MOSCOW, Aug 16 (PRIME) -- Russia’s Economic Development Ministry is against a proposal of President Vladimir Putin’s aide Andrei Belousov to introduce additional taxes on a number of industries, a source at the ministry told PRIME on Thursday.

“The ministry doesn’t support the initiative of Belousov,” the source said.

Earlier in August, Belousov suggested additional taxes totaling up to 500 billion rubles a year on some metals, petrochemical, and fertilizer producers, including metals giant Norilsk Nickel, diamond mining giant ALROSA, and petrochemical holding Sibur.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Thursday that the Kremlin has not set out its attitude to Belousov’s initiative, and added that progressive taxation is not under discussion.

“This is an expert point of view, the point of view of the president’s aide… the president agreed that it should be considered by the government and discussed with market participants. The president is really careful about such matters and stands for a thorough consideration of all possible consequences, the possible effect for the market and for the industry before making any decisions,” Peskov said.

(66.3772 rubles – U.S. $1)

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