The government is looking for opportunities to mitigate growth of gasoline prices in 2019, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin told reporters on Monday.

"Dmitry Kozak (Deputy Prime Minister - TASS) constantly has meetings where we discuss various aspects of the problem related to the dynamics of gasoline prices. We are trying to find solutions that will allow to mitigate the dynamics," he said.

The Russian Accounts Chamber said earlier that increasing excise taxes on fuel in Russia from January 1, 2019, may lead to a new sharp jump in retail prices for gasoline.

"Increasing excise tax 1.5-fold from January 1, 2019, may once again lead to a sharp growth of gasoline prices and require additional compensatory and restraining measures," the Accounts Chamber report said.

From January 1, 2019, excise taxes on gasoline will increase from 8,213 rubles ($125) to 12,374 rubles ($188) per tonne, diesel fuel - from 5,655 rubles ($86) to 8,541 rubles ($130) per tonne.