The Bank of Russia has lowered the key rate for the seventh time to 15%.

      March 20, 2026 13:55 Economy The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia decided on March 20 to reduce the key rate by 50 basis points to 15.00% per annum. The Central Bank emphasized that the need for further rate reductions will be assessed at upcoming meetings. Decisions will be made taking into account the sustainability of inflation slowdown, dynamics of inflation expectations, as well as risks from internal and external factors. According to the regulator's forecast, under the current monetary policy, annual inflation in 2026 will be 4.5-5.5%. In the second half of 2026, a stable inflation rate near 4% is expected. Starting from 2027 and beyond, the rate will be at the target level. This decision marks the seventh consecutive reduction of the key rate. The easing of monetary policy has been ongoing since June 2025. At that time, for the first time in almost three years, the rate was lowered from a record 21% to 20% per annum. Subsequently, the regulator consistently reduced it: in July to 18%, in September to 17%, in October to 16.5%, in December to 16%, in February to 15.5%, and now to 15%. Thus, since June 2025, the key rate has been reduced from 21% to 15% per annum in total. The next meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia regarding the key rate is scheduled for April 24. It was previously reported that the debt for taxes and fees to the budget of Nizhny Novgorod amounted to 2.6 billion rubles since the beginning of the year. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+