The Federation of Russian Fuel Associations, which brings together networked gas stations, has urged the government to stimulate higher output of high-octane gasoline (AI-95 and above) in response to a noticeable uptick in demand across Russia. This appeal was relayed by TASS, which cited a letter from RTS President Evgeny Arkusha addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as its source.
In its letter, the federation flags a mismatch between the current production mix of gasoline grades AI-92 and AI-95 (and higher) and both the foreign exchange trading structure and the domestic consumption pattern of these grades. The document argues that this misalignment is a principal factor driving rapid wholesale price increases for premium octane gasoline in the market, adding pressure on retailers and consumers alike.
Arkusha noted that the Russian Fuel Union had already brought this issue to the Cabinet’s attention in May. While the communication was acknowledged, he indicated that the situation has not meaningfully shifted in the ensuing months, leaving bargaining and supply dynamics largely unchanged.
On July 15, Sergei Zainullin, a Candidate of Economic Sciences and a professor in the Advertising Department at Synergy University, commented that gasoline prices in Russia are likely to rise through the late summer into September. He projected that fuel prices at filling stations could climb by roughly 5 to 10 percent compared with levels in July, reflecting ongoing market pressures, currency factors, and supply constraints that affect the broader energy sector.
Earlier reports highlighted a sharp downturn in the availability of gasoline supplies abroad, a development that compounded concerns about domestic resilience. Industry observers warn that continued disruptions in external shipments can amplify price volatility at home, especially for premium-grade fuels that rely on a mix of domestic output and imports to meet demand.