Winter diesel supplies could face a crunch this season. The challenge is a recurring one, yet many analysts say this year may hit harder than usual. In a recent discussion on Sputnik radio, Evgeny Arkusha, president of the Russian Fuel Union, explained what diesel car owners might confront and why prices for diesel have climbed in recent months.
Historically, there were trusted substitutes for middle distillates, but those options have largely vanished from the domestic market as production and export demand have pulled them away. Diesel itself is also being exported in substantial volumes. This combination has pushed wholesale and retail diesel prices well above gasoline, a situation that surprises many consumers and raises questions about market balance and policy responses.
One potential remedy floated by Arkusha is to tap winter diesel from Belarus. Discussions on this option are underway, though there are no current price forecasts for Belarusian winter diesel, so observers must wait to see how this strategy unfolds. He emphasized that shortages are not anticipated for other fuel categories, specifically summer diesel and gasoline, even as the market adjusts to tighter winter supplies.
- Nevertheless, petrol prices rose meaningfully in September across several regions.
- “Behind the Wheel” can be viewed on RuTube.