The Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has initiated legal action against subsidiaries of Lukoil in response to rising prices for AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at filling stations. The notice came from the official department’s communication, outlining the grounds for the case and the facts under review.
FAS indicated that the pricing review focused on spikes in fuel costs, notably at stations located in the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Perm region. It was noted that price tags had increased even when stock levels were comparatively low, prompting questions about pricing practices during tighter inventories and market conditions.
Earlier, BitRiver financial analyst Vladislav Antonov referenced a forthcoming change in Russia’s fuel tax regime, explaining that the consumption tax on fuel would rise starting January 1, 2024. He projected that this adjustment would raise gasoline prices by roughly 50 to 58 kopecks per liter. The analyst also observed that wholesale gasoline prices had declined due to the government’s decision to repair the fuel delivery damper, suggesting limited impact on retail prices from that move. Antonov further suggested that resuming fuel exports from Russia could influence domestic gasoline prices, since exports generally yield higher margins for oil companies.
Earlier reports noted Bulgaria’s security discussions regarding plans to shift operations away from a Lukoil facility that currently uses Russian oil, as discussed in a recent Security Council meeting. This development signals ongoing scrutiny of energy supply chain arrangements and their international implications. (Source: FAS briefing materials and market commentary)