In several regions of Russia, gasoline prices are sharply rising, reports [56orb.ru].
In the Orenburg region, prices at gas stations change almost every week and, in some cases, are growing rapidly. According to official data, as of October 20, the price of one liter of AI-95 gasoline reached 64.15 rubles — 30 kopecks higher than the previous week. The price of AI-98 gasoline also increased to 84.47 rubles.
Experts explain this trend by several factors. The first reason is the decrease in oil refining volumes due to technical malfunctions at oil refineries. From January to August, because of planned and unplanned shutdowns, daily gasoline production decreased from 123.6 thousand tons to 102.2 thousand tons.
The second factor is logistics problems. A shortage of railway rolling stock and changes in transportation procedures have significantly reduced fuel deliveries to the Far East.
Such a situation affects both demand and prices. It is noted that many citizens, trying to save money, started buying gasoline in cans by the liter, which creates artificial demand.
In addition, autumn agricultural work and the start of the heating season have increased pressure on the market. On the exchange, gasoline prices have risen by 12 percent since August.
Some gas stations have been unable to keep prices stable and were forced to suspend operations — from July to September, their number decreased by 2.6 percent.
According to experts, Russia may ease the situation by canceling import duties on fuel from China, Singapore, and South Korea. However, without modernizing oil refineries and logistics infrastructure, such crises may recur in the future.
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