Russia's cost of living soars by more than 14%

According to new data, the cost of living in Russia is going up.

The price of sugar has gone up by as much as 14 percent over the past week according to official figures.

Russia's rouble has weakened since the assault on Ukraine, and inflation is expected to keep rising.

The currency's value has fallen by 22% this year.

Russia's economic ministry said annual inflation had increased by 14.5% in the week ending March 18.

The Federal State Statistics Service said the cost of sugar rose in certain regions of the country.

The government agency found that sugar was the biggest gainer in the week.

The second biggest riser over the week was onions, which was up 13.7% nationwide and 40.4% in some areas. The price of nappies grew 4.4%. Black tea and toilet paper prices went up.

Stephen Innes said prices were higher because of the weaker rouble.

The biggest culprit is imported inflation, according to Mr Innes.

The UK, the US and the European Union have cut off Russian banks from financial markets.

They have banned dealings with Russia's central bank, state-owned investment funds and the finance ministry.

The Bank of Russia raised its interest rate to 20% in March to stop the ruble from sliding further.

Many Western businesses have stopped doing business in Russia because of the war. Major brands such as Nesquik and KitKat have been withdrawn by other companies.

There are videos on social media showing people trying to buy sugar at supermarkets.

The country is self-sufficient when it comes to sugar, according to the deputy prime minister.

There is no need to panic. She said there was enough for everyone.

Russia threatened to seize the assets of businesses that stopped operating in the country because of international sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that the country would start selling natural gas to unfriendly countries. The move is to support the currency.

40% of the EU's gas comes from Russia. It's not clear if Russia can change existing contracts in euros.

The rouble rose to a three-week high. It closed at 97.7 against the dollar.