Today in Russian Business – March 20, 2012

Some of Moscow’s largest taxpayers (like Gazprom and Rosneft) will transfer their payments to the regions in which they operate this year, following new tax laws that could divert $6.77 billion from Moscow.  Despite this, Moscow City will maintain spending levels on infrastructure.  Calls for sanctions against Belarus did not deter the Kremlin from hosting Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko yesterday to discuss economic integration.  Russian officials are anticipating 6% growth in the car market this year.  Polyus Gold has abandoned plans to move to London.  Russia’s decision to limit grain exports has sent wheat prices falling.