The strengthening rouble has seen Russia's oil wealth funds gain $2.4 billion over the last month, with the country's Reserve Fund now worth 2.24 trillion roubles.

According to the Russian finance ministry, the latter – which exists to fill gaps in the federal budget – is down from 2.3 trillion roubles ($76.37) billion on 1st October.

Reuters notes that the dollar weakened against the rouble by 3.36 per cent in October as prices of the country's key export - oil - gained 14 per cent.

"Russia is expected to post its first budget deficit in a decade this year," claims the news provider. "The deficit is expected to reach around three trillion roubles."

While budget deficits are expected to last until 2010 at least, it is anticipated that the Reserve Fund will run out by the end of next year.

Russia's National Wealth Fund - the second outlet for the country's oil revenues, which was originally designated for long-term projects - is further expected to go towards filling a state pension deficit.

Since the beginning of October, it has dropped to 2.71 trillion roubles from 2.76 trillion roubles, though in dollar terms it grew from $91.86 billion to $93.38 billion.