Privatization of Russian oil production and maritime shipping companies could be completed before the end of the year, a deputy minister said Monday. The Kremlin has been reviewing privatization options as the Russian economy risks lingering in recession because of the strains brought on by Western sanctions and low crude oil prices. Privatizing state oil company Rosneft could bring in up to $6.5 billion to a federal budget struggling under the strains of lower crude oil prices. Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said similar potential exists for oil company Bashneft and maritime shipping company Sovcomflot. “We hope that all or a part of the companies will be sold by the end of the year,” he told reporters […]