The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Energy is examining a range of options for tweaking the fuel dampers, aiming to align the interests of oil companies with the state budget and market stability. In a discussion conducted at the World Economic Forum, Nikolai Shulginov, the head of the ministry, outlined the ongoing process and the criteria guiding potential changes. The move signals a broader effort to ensure that support mechanisms for the oil sector respond effectively to evolving market conditions while safeguarding public revenue and macroeconomic stability.
Shulginov indicated that the ministry is studying various proposals to modify the current support framework for the oil industry. The objective is to stabilize the fuel market by creating predictable conditions for investors and producers, while also considering fiscal prudence. He noted that the possibility of cancelling or adjusting the discount previously applied in September to payments made toward certain industry players had not been factored into any finalized decision, underscoring the careful, step-by-step approach now in place.
As a reminder, by September 1 the state payments to oil workers tied to depreciation were halved for both gasoline and diesel sectors. Analysts warned that such reductions could push wholesale fuel prices higher and squeeze the profitability of independent gas stations, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the retail fuel market. Earlier reporting indicated ongoing talks between the ministry and industry stakeholders about returning to earlier parameters for the support mechanism, but no formal agreement had been reached and discussions were still underway.
In related market activity, prices for petroleum products on the St. Petersburg International Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange continued to reach new highs in recent sessions. By the end of the most recent trading week, AI-95 gasoline traded around 76,100 rubles per unit, AI-92 near 67,600 rubles, and summer diesel close to 70,800 rubles, reflecting the broader volatility in energy pricing and its implications for buyers and distributors across the region. These movements occur amid ongoing policy reviews and market developments discussed by energy authorities and market participants alike, as they assess how best to balance supply, demand, and fiscal objectives.
Background context notes that questions about Russia’s petroleum product imports and pricing dynamics remain a focal point for policymakers and industry observers. The current discussions emphasize ensuring resilience in the fuel supply chain while maintaining transparency and predictability for consumers, retailers, and investors across the energy sector. The evolution of these measures will continue to shape the competitive environment for both domestic producers and cross-border trade considerations in the near term.