The forecast, drafted by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, puts GDP growth at 6.1% in 2006, 5.7% in 2007, 5.6% in 2008 and 5.7% in 2009.
The price of Russian Urals-blend crude oil will average $62 per barrel in 2006, $58 per barrel in 2007, $53 per barrel in 2008 and $48 per barrel in 2009, the forecast says.
Compared to the government's mid-term plan for Russia's social and economic development, the forecast raises the inflation target by 0.5% to 8-9% in 2006, 6.5-8% in 2007, 4.5-6% in 2008 and 4-5.5% in 2009.
The ministry said the ruble will gain 5% against the U.S. dollar in 2007, but ruble appreciation against the dollar will slow down to 1-2% in 2008-2009 as raw materials start to play a less significant role in Russian export growth.
