The main events by the morning: August 14

• The volume of mortgage loans in Russia decreased almost threefold, to 292 billion rubles. According to the United Credit Bureau, a similar drop was recorded only in the pandemic year 2020. The main reason for such a significant decline in housing lending was the completion of a number of preferential government programs in July.

• Rosneft is taking new steps to change the methodology for calculating Russian oil prices for tax purposes. The company proposed using the weighted average price of Urals oil in Russian ports, minus the «transaction costs» of $3 per barrel, as a single indicator for tax calculation.

• The South Ural Mining Company (YUGK) is facing problems. The activities of the Yuzhuralzoloto deposits may be limited due to the claims of the Ural department of Rostechnadzor. An order is expected providing for the suspension of the work of enterprises for a standard period of up to 90 days.

• Vodka may rise in price in Russia. The largest alcohol producer in Russia, Rosspirtprom holding, which has passed into private hands this year, plans to increase prices for its products. This was reported by four alcohol producers, referring to information provided by RBC. Starting in September, the cost of alcohol will increase by 9%.

• Iran may postpone an attack on Israel if negotiations with the Palestinian Hamas movement succeed in reaching an agreement on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports, citing three Iranian officials.