In Moscow and the Moscow region, prices for gasoline and diesel have risen sharply, Kommersant reports. The steepest increase was recorded in the surrounding region, where gasoline became more than three rubles per liter more expensive within a few days.
Situation in Moscow
During the spring and early summer, AI-95 at Moscow filling stations had been rising by 0.05 to 0.5 rubles per liter a week, but last week the price jumped by 1.76 rubles to 75.33 rubles per liter.
In Moscow, AI-92 rose by 2.07 rubles between June 15 and June 19, reaching 67.95 rubles per liter. Previously, weekly growth had usually been 0.1 to 0.5 rubles. The average price of diesel fuel increased by 1.73 rubles to 81.7 rubles per liter.
Situation in the Moscow region
In the Moscow region, the average price of AI-95 increased this week by 3.44 rubles to 76.49 rubles per liter, while AI-92 rose by 3.87 rubles to 69.71 rubles. Before that, both grades had usually been gaining 0.1 to 1 ruble per week.
The average price of diesel in the region climbed by 3.33 rubles to 82.85 rubles per liter. The newspaper says this was the fastest increase since March.
Reasons and context
Market participants attribute the spike to reduced fuel supply. Independent gas stations have found it harder to buy petroleum products and therefore have had to purchase more expensive gasoline from Belarus, while large oil companies are channeling fuel primarily to their own filling stations.
Experts cited by Kommersant said the jump in prices was caused by “unscheduled refinery repairs, increased seasonal demand, and panic buying.”
On June 18, Ukrainian forces were reported to have launched a record number of drones at Russia, with the Moscow Oil Refinery as one of the main targets. A major fire broke out at the facility, and residents of nearby districts reported an “oil rain” and a pungent smell of smoke. Earlier, The Bell estimated that fuel problems linked to Ukrainian strikes had been recorded in at least 53 regions of Russia as well as in occupied territories of Ukraine.