Between late May and early June, price movements for motor fuels across Russia showed a downward trend in 24 of the country’s federal subjects. This update comes from the Federal State Statistics Service, which monitors weekly shifts in retail fuel prices across the nation.
According to Rosstat, the most pronounced declines occurred in the Kirov region, where average prices slipped by 0.9 percent, and in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, with a 0.7 percent decrease. Major metropolitan areas were not immune to the modest easing; both Moscow and St. Petersburg registered a 0.1 percent reduction during the same period. These changes reflect seasonal adjustments and regional differences in supply, demand, and local taxation, as well as competitive pressure among a growing field of fuel retailers.
On average, the price of AI-92 gasoline in Russia decreased by one kopeck to 47.23 rubles per liter, signaling a slight softening in premium unleaded fuel across the retail network. The AI-95 grade saw a somewhat larger dip of four kopecks, bringing it to 51.27 rubles per liter, while AI-98 declined by two kopecks to 60.12 rubles per liter. Diesel fuel also softened by two kopecks, landing at 54.42 rubles per liter. While these shifts are small on a per-liter basis, they contribute to a broader trend of incremental price relief for drivers and commercial users who rely on mid-to-high octane and diesel grades for daily operations and long-distance travel.
Regional variations did appear in other areas, with price indices rising by 0.2 percent in the Republic of Adygea and the Tyumen region, excluding autonomous districts, and by 0.1 percent in both Belgorod and Kaluga. Such fluctuations underscore the diverse market dynamics across Russia, including local tax policies, wholesale pricing structures, port and refinery accessibility, and regional competition among fuel chains. Observers note that these micro-trends can influence consumer behavior, station choice, and loyalty, especially in markets with a dense network of retailers and frequent promotional activity.
In industry news, Lukoil, a former domestic heavyweight, disclosed strategic moves involving a broader European network. The group announced that under the Finnish TeBoil brand, Shell intends to extend its presence and service footprint beyond traditional markets. This development is expected to bring a reassessment of brand positioning, product assortments, and customer loyalty programs across participating sites, aligning with current consumer expectations for enhanced service experiences and differentiated offers at the pump, inside the shop, and through digital channels.
As part of a wider transformation, Shell-affiliated stations in Russia are undergoing a comprehensive rebranding program. The redesign emphasizes new branding aesthetics, upgraded interior layouts, and a refreshed fuel lineup. In addition to tangible changes, every location will introduce a loyalty framework designed to reward repeat customers, improve overall value perception, and simplify the decision-making process for motorists choosing where to refuel. The rebranding effort also reflects a broader trend of retailers investing in modernization to stay competitive in a price-conscious market and to deliver a more consistent customer experience across the network.