According to the publication "Moskovsky Komsomolets," the rise in wholesale fuel prices is quickly reflected in retail prices, reminiscent of the fuel crisis situation last autumn, when similar scenarios became increasingly likely.
The lifting of the ban on gasoline exports for producers has become a forced measure. This ban was introduced at the end of August 2025, when long queues of drivers trying to refuel their cars appeared at gas stations. In some regions experiencing a gasoline shortage, authorities were even forced to impose limits on fuel sales at gas stations.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak claims that the current situation with the balance of supply and demand has improved, and even fuel surpluses have formed. Previously, export restrictions were imposed to meet domestic needs, but extending these measures could lead to an oversupply of goods in the market and a decrease in processing volumes, warns the deputy head of the government.
There is indeed no panic at gas stations. With an overall inflation rate of 2.11%, according to Rosstat, fuel prices have increased by only 1.42% since the beginning of the year. This increase is not due to the greed of sellers but is caused by an increase in the value-added tax from 20% to 22%.
However, looking at the wholesale market, it becomes clear that there is no reason to relax. From the beginning of January to the beginning of February, the prices for AI-92 at the St. Petersburg Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange rose by 7.3%, which is comparable to the price increase for this popular grade for the entire year of 2025 (+10%).
