A Russian citizen spoke directly to President Vladimir Putin on the official line, raising a question about why gasoline prices are rising while lighter fluids stay relatively steady. Igor Yushkov, a well-known analyst with the National Energy Security Foundation, explained to socialbites.ca that lighters rely on a propane-butane mix, a price component not directly comparable to household gas used in homes.
“Lighters contain liquefied petroleum gas. It is not the methane that runs through the gas pipes into apartments or the gas exported through pipelines. There is methane in the pipes and a propane-butane mix in lighters. This is a different kind of product—an oil refining product rather than something produced at Gazprom or Novatek fields. First, the gases are different. Second, even the propane-butane blend is not exceptionally costly. There was a summer spike, but like all fuels, its price rose slightly and is now near the levels seen at the start of the year. In other words, it is not very expensive, even cheaper than gasoline and diesel. It is a lighter, so the dynamics differ. The good news is that when Russia sees higher gas prices, it usually means tariffs rise. Foreign exchange prices are not a factor here. Propane-butane is traded freely on exchanges, while gas bought via pipelines carries tariffs. Tariffs cover delivery, maintenance of gas equipment, and related costs. That is included, he noted.
Yushkov pointed out that lighters are becoming more expensive, but only occasionally. He also suggested that a cubic meter of gas priced through lighters could arguably cost more than a cubic meter of gas bought through a pipeline.
“I think lighters become pricier from time to time. In percentage terms, a 10-20 ruble move matters a lot. So prices may creep up, but rarely. These are entirely different goods with different pricing—there are tariffs on pipeline gas and standard market prices for lighters. Comparisons aren’t valid. We can compare lighters to refill cylinders used in rural areas, but pipeline main gas cannot be directly compared. If we buy one cubic meter of gas from lighters, it is likely more expensive than the same amount from pipelines. It depends on how you look at it,” he added.
On December 14, the press conference titled “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin” was broadcast live. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov had previously said Putin had been preparing for the event since the evening of December 12.
During the direct line, Russians could see on screens in the hall the questions asked of the president. In addition to the inquiry about rising gasoline prices, viewers asked, “Why was Chubais allowed to flee abroad?” and “When will the real Russia resemble the one shown on television?”
All calls received on the direct line are handled by representatives of the All-Russian People’s Front, known as ONF. The broadcast includes comments and clarifications for the public, offering a window into how price discussions and policy questions are framed on air. The event is viewed as a barometer of public sentiment and policy explanations, with the presidency using the platform to outline steps taken and planned responses to economic concerns. As the exchange continued, observers noted the interplay between tariff structures, gas pricing mechanisms, and consumer-facing costs that influence daily life across the country. The direct line remains a focal point for understanding how price signals and policy announcements converge in the public sphere, even as analysts debate the real impact on households and regional markets. The discourse, while sometimes pointed, underscores the importance of transparent information at a moment when energy costs touch many facets of everyday living. The dialogue around gas tariffs, exchange rates, and supply chains continues to shape public perception and policy discussions in Russia. In this context, the direct line serves not only as a channel for questions but also as a mirror reflecting broader economic dynamics at play across the energy sector.
Putin’s remarks and the moments of humor or critique during the direct line are often scrutinized for signals about fiscal policy and federal responses to consumer concerns. The event, watched by millions, highlights how official communication strategies attempt to balance reassurance with explanations of rising costs and the steps being taken to mitigate them. Observers and participants alike look for answers about tariff components, the role of exchange prices, and how future pricing might unfold under ongoing economic conditions. The direct line thus remains a central element in understanding the government’s approach to energy economics and public accountability.
Note: The discussion around energy pricing, tariff structures, and public inquiries is part of broader analyses of Russia’s energy market and policy environment as reported by various outlets and analysts over time. (Source attribution: socialbites.ca)