Today in Russian Business – July 2, 2012

Industry experts say the Moscow apartment market is booming, but buyers are losing interest in dachas, with some owners worried that the expansion of Moscow’s territory (officially announced yesterday) will lead to demolitions and new developments.  The Kremlin raised utilities (by 15%), as well as alcohol and tobacco prices, and increased parking fines tenfold yesterday, after a six month delay to avoid the presidential election; protests are expected, particularly in the regions.