In a statement to TASS, Sergey Solovyov, the commercial director of the Neftmagistral network of gas stations, warned that the Russian market could face a tightening supply if fuel exports are not capped. He pointed out a growing gap between domestic and international gasoline prices and said that stabilizing the market would require government action in the autumn and winter months.
Solovyov emphasized that without timely measures, the gap between foreign and domestic pricing could trigger a wave of closures among independent stations. He described a domestic price environment that is out of sync with global trends and suggested that policy intervention would be essential to preserving the retail network and ensuring reliable fuel access for consumers.
Recent movements on the SPIMEX platform, the St. Petersburg international commodity and raw materials exchange, show AI-95 gasoline hitting a historic high. Market data indicate a record price of 71,624 rubles per tonne at one point, reflecting strong demand and tight supply conditions as traders respond to evolving geopolitical and economic signals. These figures are drawn from trading records published by SPIMEX and reflect the latest market dynamics affecting bulk fuel pricing in the region.
Following this, AI-95 gasoline prices showed continued strength, with a reported price of 70,959 rubles per tonne on a recent session, marking a 1.23 percent increase from the prior level. This development surpassed the previous summer peak of 70,190 rubles per tonne and underscored the persistent volatility in fuel markets as refiners balance output, logistics, and demand patterns across major urban centers.
Meanwhile, AI-92 gasoline prices experienced a slight easing, slipping by about 0.1 percent to 63,007 rubles per tonne. Diesel fuel also edged lower by approximately 0.2 percent to 66,283 rubles per tonne, while fuel oil continued its upward trajectory, advancing to 34,174 rubles per tonne with a gain of around 1.53 percent. The mixed moves across fuel categories illustrate how regional demand, refinery margins, and shipping costs collectively shape the price map faced by stations and fleets alike.
Analysts note that movements in gasoline and diesel prices are closely tied to global oil dynamics. When crude futures experience weakness, wholesale costs for refined products can still rise if supply bottlenecks persist or if exchange rates translate into higher local costs. The latest data emphasize the sensitivity of the market to both macroeconomic shifts and the administrative frameworks that govern exports and domestic consumption. This interplay remains a crucial indicator for station operators who must manage margins while staying within regulatory expectations and consumer affordability targets.
In this environment, stakeholders stress the importance of forecasting, price stabilization tools, and transparent communication with customers. The price signals from SPIMEX offer a mirror of the underlying supply chain stresses, including upstream production, pipeline flow, and terminal storage. Policy actions that reduce price volatility—such as targeted export controls, incentives for domestic refining, or temporary subsidies during periods of peak demand—could help mitigate abrupt price jumps at the pump and prevent discontinuities in service networks. Stakeholders argue that coordinated measures will help maintain competition, preserve access to fuel, and support small independent outlets that are the backbone of many regional markets.
Industry observers also highlight the need for resilience among logistics networks. Efficient distribution, fuel arrivals, and stocking strategies play a crucial role in smoothing retail prices. As autumn approaches, the market will likely focus on how to balance export commitments with domestic needs, how to manage refinery utilization, and how to support regional supply chains that ensure steady fuel availability for motorists and businesses alike. The ongoing dialogue among industry groups, regulators, and market participants will shape the policy environment and influence price trajectories into the winter months, when demand patterns can shift rapidly.
Overall, the latest price data from SPIMEX reflect a market at a crossroads. Strong demand for AI-95, coupled with the potential tightening of supply, points to continued price resilience in the near term. At the same time, the broader macroeconomic context and policy decisions will determine whether volatility persists or abates as producers and retailers adjust to evolving conditions. The outcome will matter not only to station operators and fleet managers but also to everyday consumers seeking predictable fuel costs and reliable access to essential transportation fuels. [Source: TASS, SPIMEX market data attribution]