The latest data from the St. Petersburg International Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SPbmTC) shows a price uptick across several fuels following trading on January 18. The move comes as traders reacted to shifting demand, supply expectations, and broader energy market signals echoed by government statements and industry reports.
On Thursday, AI-92 gasoline rose by 1.79 percent, landing at 43,705 rubles per ton. AI-95 followed with a 1.43 percent gain, reaching 46,603 rubles per ton. The two grades highlight a consistent strength in refined products, influenced by refinery utilization, seasonal demand patterns, and global crude price dynamics that feed into domestic gasoline benchmarks. Market watchers note that small percentage shifts can reflect nuanced shifts in stock levels, logistics costs, and regional procurement strategies.
Diesel fuel showed a mixed but firmer picture. Summer-grade diesel advanced 1.22 percent to 53,874 rubles per ton, while winter-grade diesel stood at 59,606 rubles per ton, up 0.09 percent. In contrast, off-season diesel slipped by 0.6 percent to 54,281 rubles per ton, illustrating how temperature-related demand and seasonal allocation influence pricing in both the near term and the forward curve.
Overall fuel costs climbed 8.94 percent to 16,071 rubles per ton, signaling a broader uptick in energy inputs that feed into transportation and industrial sectors. In the same session, liquefied hydrocarbon gases (LPG) traded lower, falling 8.32 percent to 18,583 rubles per ton, a move tied to shifts in feedstock use, regional demand for heating and cooking fuels, and competitive pricing from alternative suppliers.
During the period, the government of the Russian Federation rejected speculation about a possible ban on gasoline exports following an incident at the Lukoil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod. Officials reiterated that export policies would be guided by market conditions, maintaining supply to domestic markets while balancing the country’s energy-export commitments. The clarification aimed to reduce uncertainty among traders and downstream buyers who rely on stable export rules.
Earlier reporting from socialbites.ca summarized anticipated price trajectories for Russian gasoline stations in February 2024, underscoring the public interest in how domestic pricing interacts with international oil movements, refining margins, and seasonal demand cycles. Observers continue to monitor how ongoing geopolitical developments, refinery maintenance schedules, and regulatory updates may shape near-term price paths for refined products and energy commodities in Russia and neighboring markets.