The rate of inflation in Russia accelerated again in May to 8.3% on an annual basis, the country's official statistics agency said, the highest level since February 2023.
Officials warn that huge public spending to support the military offensive in Ukraine is causing the economy to overheat.
The increase in government spending has supported Russia's economy in the face of Western sanctions, but it has also caused soaring prices and labor shortages in many sectors.
The figure is up from 7.8% at the end of April and well above the country's official inflation target of four percent.
The rapid rise in prices is putting pressure on the country's central bank to raise interest rates further to curb inflation.
Last week, it kept its key interest rate at 16%, but signaled it may raise borrowing costs in the future if the pace of price rises does not slow.
German Gref, chief executive of state-run Sberbank, warned last week that growth in Russia is "fragile" because it relies on government spending, which continues to boost wages and consumer spending, rather than investment or productivity gains. | BGNES
