The Russian government foresees no surges in gasoline prices in the near future, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said yesterday.

"Gasoline prices are already declining, and no steep hikes are anticipated. It would be good if the prices remain stable," said Sechin, who supervises state policy in industry and energy.

Oil companies had offered to supply the required amount of oil products at fixed prices to keep electric power facilities going throughout the winter season, he added.

According to the country's top statistics body, overall gasoline consumer prices increased 20.5 percent over the first eight months of 2008, but did not change in August.