Industrial production increased just 1% year on year in February, against 4.1% in February 2005.
In January-February, Russia posted 4.1% year-on-year GDP growth and 2.7% for industrial output, down from 5% and 2.9% respectively in the same period last year.
"Without seasonal adjustment, GDP declined an average 0.6% a month in January-February," the ministry said in its report.
Industrial production decreased by an average 0.2% a month in the same period.
"The economic slowdown was partly due to unfavorable weather conditions and a setback in electric energy supplies in late January-early February," the ministry said.
There was growth in external demand and a decline in domestic demand, with imports growing to meet domestic demand.
Mining production leveled off, while manufacturing shrank, but production and distribution of electric energy, natural gas and water rose.
At the same time, sluggish export growth and declining competitiveness caused a 25% plunge in machine-building output.
However, the ministry said the downward trend in the industry did not involve all products. Production of refrigerators and washing machines increased 10.5% and 15.4% respectively, and there was a 14.2% rise in electric, electronic and optical equipment, including turbine generators. Production of vehicles and related equipment grew 9% year on year.
