Inflation and Monetary Policy in the Context of Large-Scale Shock

Alexandra V. Bozhechkova – Head of Monetary Policy Department of the Gaidar Institute; Senior Researcher of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Candidate of Economic Sciences (Moscow, Russia). Е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pavel V. Trunin – Head of Center for Macroeconomics and Finance of the Gaidar Institute; Leading Researcher of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Doctor of Economic Sciences (Moscow, Russia). Е-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The beginning of this year was characterized by a slow increase in consumer prices, stability in the forex market, and continuing monetary policy easing. However, the situation has changed dramatically as a result of the impact on the economy of two major interconnected shocks: a slowdown in the global economy triggered by the historically unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and a dramatic plunge of oil prices. In response to the ruble weakening in March, the Bank of Russia launched a package of measures designed to ensure financial sustainability decided to maintain its key rate at 6%.

Key words: inflation, basic inflation, annual inflation, prices, consumer prices, monetary policy, key interest, rate, target, Bank of Russia.