Prices at Russian filling stations top 100 rubles per litre

Fuel prices at independent Russian filling stations have topped 100 rubles (27 Kč) per litre for the first time. A fuel shortage caused by Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries has led to unprecedented increases in petrol and diesel prices. Reuters reports this, citing sources at retail chains.

Increasingly intense attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure have caused fuel supply constraints across much of the country. Particularly strict restrictions have been introduced across much of southern Russia and Siberia, as well as throughout the territory of Ukraine occupied by Russia.

Independent retailers came close to the 100-ruble-per-litre threshold two weeks ago. But they did not cross it because their software was not configured to display three-digit prices on advertising boards, the agency’s sources said.

However, deteriorating market conditions prompted these filling stations to make technical adjustments towards the end of June so they could sell petrol and diesel for as much as 120 - 140 rubles per litre, Reuters’ sources said.

Prices at chain filling stations operated by oil companies are not much different from what they were before the crisis. A litre of AI-92 petrol, the best-selling fuel in Russia, costs around 63 to 66 rubles, while a litre of AI-95 costs around 70 to 73 rubles.

These operators are adhering to an informal agreement with the authorities that price increases should not exceed overall inflation. The price gap means fuel at oil company filling stations sells out quickly, forcing them to suspend operations until they replenish their stocks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday that the fuel shortage had been caused by Ukraine’s drone campaign. He stressed, however, that the authorities were addressing the problem.

According to observers, Russian petrol production has remained below consumption since May. Diesel production is roughly in line with consumption.