Russian parliament mulls introducing regulated prices, nationalising assets of firms that leave

Russian parliament committees are ready to introduce proposals to regulate prices for food, medicines and other goods, Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a ruling party lawmaker.

Alexander Khinshtein, a member of the United Russia party, said such a legislative initiative has been already prepared by committees in the Duma and could be proposed "at any moment".

Russia's ruling party, United Russia, also said on Wednesday that a government commission had approved the first step towards nationalizing assets of foreign firms that leave the country in the wake of economic sanctions over Ukraine.

United Russia added in a statement on the Telegram messaging app that the commission on lawmaking activity had supported a bill allowing for firms more than 25% owned by foreigners from "unfriendly states" to be put into external administration.

"This will prevent bankruptcy and save jobs," it said.

Corporate actions to censure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine vary widely, with some firms like U.S. carmaker Ford temporarily shutting down factories but others like British energy company BP promising to exit the country.

United Russia said according to the proposed bill companies who had announced they were leaving Russia could refuse to go into administration if within five days they resumed activities or sold shares, providing that the business and employees remained.

Otherwise, a court would appoint a temporary administration for three months, after which the shares of the new organisation would be put up for auction and the old one would be liquidated, it added.