Russian authorities have rolled out a new package of measures aimed at stabilizing the domestic fuel market and ensuring steady access to motor fuels for consumers. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the government to keep price movements predictable and minimize fluctuations that can ripple through the economy. The changes are framed as a decisive step to align supply with domestic demand while reducing external pressures on fuel pricing.
Central to the package is a revision of the Tax Code, paired with the reinstatement of the fuel tipper as of October 1. This adjustment recalibrates the financial incentives for oil refiners and distributors, helping to offset revenue shortfalls when selling gasoline and diesel within the domestic market. By restoring these mechanisms, authorities aim to establish a steadier revenue framework for refiners, supporting ongoing investment in refining capacity and related infrastructure.
Officials explained that altering the damper coefficient from 0.5 to 1.0 will expand the scope of compensation available to oil refineries. The improved compensation structure is designed to counterbalance revenue gaps that may arise from domestic sales, ensuring producers retain a stable incentive to maintain output levels and safeguard the reliability of fuel supplies across the country.
The government indicated that these changes should help saturate the domestic market with fuel, reducing the likelihood of shortages and stabilizing price movements driven by wholesale currency shifts. In practical terms, the policy seeks to keep retail price trajectories in line with overall inflation, shielding consumers from sharp spikes while preserving incentives needed to sustain production and distribution networks. Market participants may anticipate a smoother pricing path as refiners adapt to the new regulatory framework and the financial support structures provided by the state.
Alongside these steps, mandatory sales standards for AI-95 gasoline were increased to 15 percent, up from 13 percent, while diesel fuel requirements were raised to 12.5 percent from 9.5 percent. The aim is to ensure a greater portion of production is directed to the domestic market, contributing to a more predictable supply for motorists, farmers, and small businesses that rely on steady access to fuel. The policy reinforces the government’s commitment to domestic energy security while balancing the needs of competitive markets and consumer protection.
Previously, the Federal Antimonopoly Service had urged oil companies and independent gas stations to hold gasoline prices at levels that could be sustained by current economics. The directive highlighted the obligation to provide fuel to consumers within the domestic market, including agricultural producers who rely on affordable inputs for seasonal operations. This approach reflects a wider national concern with price stability and the affordability of essential energy products for households and key sectors of the economy.
In parallel, leaders acknowledged that retail gasoline prices had risen and emphasized the need for closer coordination between the government and fuel companies. The overarching objective remains to preserve supply reliability while ensuring transparent, fair pricing for end users. Taken together, these measures signal a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the domestic fuel market, support homegrown producers, and shield consumers from abrupt price shifts that can arise from global energy market volatility. The evolving policy landscape will be watched closely as the market adapts to the new rules and incentives, with ongoing dialogue among stakeholders and regulators guiding future adjustments. Citation: Newspapers.Ru