Finance Ministry Lowers Daily Limit for Currency and Gold

Reduction of the Currency and Gold Purchase Limit

As of September 8, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Finance has reduced the daily limit for purchasing foreign currency and gold under the budget rule to 2.5 billion rubles. This decision reflects the need for stricter control over budget expenditures and currency market regulation.

Previously, the limit was set at 4.2 billion rubles per day, established on November 7, 2025, and in effect until early September 2026. The nearly twofold decrease illustrates the ministry’s approach to reducing the volume of currency interventions amid the current financial situation.

History of Limit Changes

In April 2026, the Russian Finance Ministry raised the daily limit for currency and gold purchases by 2.4 times to 11 billion rubles, allocating over 230 billion rubles for these operations between April 5 and May 7. In the following months, the limit was adjusted multiple times based on budget priorities and macroeconomic conditions.

In July 2026, the limit was cut by almost 1.5 times, and in November 2025 it was increased by 35.5%, reaching 4.2 billion rubles. Thus, the current adjustment down to 2.5 billion rubles is part of an ongoing trend in adapting financial policy.

Significance of the Budget Rule

The budget rule, which governs the purchase of currency and gold, aims to stabilize the financial market and support the ruble’s exchange rate. Limiting the daily volume of operations helps balance demand and supply for foreign currency, reducing volatility and risks to economic stability.

The Russian Finance Ministry uses these measures to accumulate reserves and maintain macroeconomic stability. In 2026, approximately 110 billion rubles are planned to be allocated for currency and gold purchases under the budget rule, reflecting a general decline in the volume of these operations.

Impact on the Market and Economy

Lowering the daily limit to 2.5 billion rubles may slow the growth of foreign currency reserves and affect liquidity in the currency market. This could cause short-term fluctuations of the ruble, but in the long term, it promotes a more balanced financial policy.

Russian banks and investors will have to adapt to the new restrictions, possibly revising their strategies for managing currency assets and gold reserves. This Finance Ministry decision also reflects a cautious approach to spending budget funds.

Outlook and Expectations

The Ministry of Finance plans to closely monitor the effects of the limit reduction and adjust the budget rule parameters according to the economic situation. If macroeconomic indicators improve, a subsequent increase in limits is possible.

Experts note that this measure is part of a strategy to reduce external risks and maintain budget discipline. At the same time, preserving flexibility in regulation will allow responding to changes in both domestic and global economic conditions.

Conclusion: The reduction of the daily limit for currency and gold purchases to 2.5 billion rubles reflects the Russian Finance Ministry’s intent to exercise more prudent management of budget resources and currency reserves in 2026.