To bring stability to diesel pricing, officials argue that two key taxes should be removed. The proposal comes from Nikolai Arefiev, a deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, who spoke in an interview with Lenta.ru about easing burdens on the oil sector.
Parliamentary members contend that oil producers should be exempt from the mineral extraction tax (MET) and from the transport tax. This move, they say, would ease the cost structure for domestic producers and ultimately influence the prices paid by consumers.
According to Arefiev, MET is routinely factored into the price of fuel and lubricants. He asserted that removing MET could lead to lower pump prices, estimating a potential drop to about 30 rubles per liter in today’s market conditions if that tax were eliminated.
The deputy noted that lawmakers have long pressed for more aggressive regulation of essential goods pricing, including gasoline. He summarized his view by saying that a normal situation could be restored if the NDPI mortgage tax is cancelled, positioning price relief as a direct outcome of such policy changes.
He also emphasized the potential impact of lifting the shipping tax, which has historically weighed on gasoline prices. Arefiev observed that five years ago the shipping tax left a noticeable imprint on retail gasoline costs, and its continuation today adds to the price burden for consumers.
During the discussion, the parliamentarian recalled the remarks of the Russian president about the need to abolish the transport tax on oil workers as a means of easing energy costs for everyday buyers.
On the market side, the most recent movements saw the price of AI-95 gasoline cresting at a new historical high, while the weekly diesel price posted a solid gain. The domestic fuel market has experienced notable volatility, with prices reflecting shifts in tax policy signals, currency movements, and supply dynamics.
Earlier, the Ministry of Energy did not back proposals to cap diesel prices, indicating a preference for balancing market mechanisms with regulatory measures rather than imposing strict price limits.
Analysts warn that any policy shift affecting MET or transport taxes would ripple through the supply chain, potentially easing prices for drivers while also influencing producer behavior, refinery operations, and distribution costs. Sound policy debate continues, focusing on how to maintain energy security, support domestic producers, and protect consumers at the pump without undermining the investments and reliability of the energy sector.