21.   But imports have become prohibitively expensive since the government devalued the ruble in August when the economic crisis hit.

22.   Domestic producers also stand to benefit as demand for local inputs and substitutes rise as imports become expensive.

23.   For ordinary Russians, the high-profile imports became sources of resentment in a country where a lucky few have prospered while the many have suffered.

24.   Import has therefore become inevitable.

25.   Industrialists say this undercut their competitiveness by forcing export prices up in dollar terms while imports became cheaper.

26.   Many imports became too expensive after the ruble lost much of its value.

27.   These imports have now become incredibly expensive.

28.   Erwin, addressing a media briefing here, said imports have become more expensive and are beginning to decline.