Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has urged oil companies to increase refinery throughput during a period of heightened gasoline demand. The guidance was conveyed through official channels of the Government of the Russian Federation, highlighting the focus on stabilizing fuel availability and pricing for consumers across the country.
Novak led a headquarters meeting dedicated to the state of the domestic fuel market. The discussions covered the current dynamics of the petroleum products market, the logistics of transporting fuels by rail, and the critical matter of ensuring sufficient fuel supplies for agricultural producers who rely on steady access to motor fuels and related products for farming operations.
According to the official release, Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Antimonopoly Service to closely monitor how fuel prices move at gas stations and within the agricultural sector. The directive also calls for keeping an eye on refinery margins to ensure that costs do not outpace the rate of inflation, thereby helping to maintain affordability for end users while sustaining refinery operations.
On July 24, the price of AI-95 gasoline at the St. Petersburg International Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange rose to 75,296 rubles per ton, marking an increase of 0.4 percent. This level represented the first notable price point for this fuel category since the previous autumn and underscored ongoing volatility in international and domestic markets that influence the industry.
Analysts have weighed in on prospective price movements. Sergei Zainullin, a candidate of economic sciences and professor at the Advertising Department of Synergy University, remarked that gasoline prices in Russia are expected to trend higher through September. He attributes the anticipated rise to seasonal factors that typically boost demand, including the peak agricultural season and the summer holiday period, which interact with supply dynamics to tighten market conditions.
Earlier policy steps included a shift in the Cabinet’s stance on exports related to diesel. The government signaled that diesel exports from Russia would be regulated, a move designed to balance domestic needs with international trade considerations and to support price stability within the domestic market as refinery activity fluctuates.
In this broader context, industry observers note that refinery load management and transport logistics interact with price signals near retail outlets. As refineries adjust throughput, the balance between supply capacity and demand at the consumer level becomes a key factor shaping monthly price trajectories. The emphasis on monitoring both gas station pricing and agricultural fuel needs reflects a policy approach that seeks to prevent price spikes while preserving the capacity of the refining sector to respond to market conditions. Markers from the energy ministry and antitrust authorities indicate a proactive stance aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures and maintaining reliable fuel access for essential sectors.
From the perspective of the agricultural sector, reliable fuel supply supports planting, harvest operations, and rural economic activity. Any disruption in supply chains or sudden shifts in freight costs can ripple through farms, affecting the timing of field work and overall productivity. As such, the ongoing dialogue between regulators, energy producers, and logistics providers remains crucial for sustaining agricultural output and rural livelihoods during periods of peak demand.
Overall, the current policy posture underscores a synchronized effort to align refinery performance with price stability objectives, ensure steady rail transport of fuels, and secure access to motor fuels for households and critical industries. Analysts will continue to watch how refinery margins evolve in response to seasonal demand, changes in export policy, and the evolving landscape of domestic energy management. The aim is to maintain a balanced market where supply keeps pace with demand while protecting consumers from sudden price fluctuations. The coordination among energy authorities, market regulators, and industry players forms the backbone of this approach as Russia navigates a period of elevated gasoline consumption and a shifting energy export environment. [Citation: Official communications from the Government of the Russian Federation]”