Earlier this week, Reuters reported on income inequality in Russia, which many commentators see as driving a factor in disenchantment with the Putin regime.  The fact that living standards for ordinary people have seemingly reached a plateau whilst wealth continues to inundate the upper echelons of society, and line the hidden pockets of officials, naturally grinds away at faith in any regime.  This week, it would seem that the government has attempted to acknowledge popular grievances, through a number of small gestures.  President Medvedev has ordered that the FAS monitor vehicle fuel prices, to ensure there are no unexpected jumps in costs for consumers; he has also urged that the banking sector show greater support for fledgling businesses.