OREANDA-NEWS. Russia this year will be more prudent about the issue of food supplies abroad, especially to those countries that are pursuing a hostile policy towards it. The corresponding statement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting on supporting the agro-industrial complex, TASS reports.

At the same time, he noted that thanks to the growth in production, it became possible to ensure food prices in Russia are lower than on the world market.

“Food self-sufficiency is Russia's real competitive advantage, and it should work in the interests of our citizens. We must protect them from fluctuations in the market, from price fluctuations in the global food market,” Putin said.

The head of state recalled that Russia already has a floating duty on the export of grain and sunflower oil, and in order to stabilize the work of farmers, the fertilizer market is regulated.

Putin also pointed to the need to control the supply of the industry with "fuel and lubricants, seeds and breeding products", as well as to ensure that enterprises can "attract borrowed funds in the required amount to carry out current tasks."

Earlier, Putin said that the situation in the energy sector is deteriorating, and there are also attempts by Western partners to shift mistakes in economic policy onto Russia.