Maxim Shaskolsky, head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation, stated that current conditions do not justify concerns about fuel shortages in the domestic market or a rise in fuel prices. The remarks were reported by TASS, which quoted Shaskolsky as saying that prerequisites for any shortage do not exist at this time.
He underscored that Russia holds ample reserves of petroleum products and that domestic companies recognize the priority of maintaining a fully supplied domestic market. The analysis indicates that prices at gas stations are unlikely to change in the near term. Shaskolsky also noted that planned refinery maintenance will not disrupt the country’s oil supply. Reserves are built with seasonality in mind when schedules are prepared, ensuring readiness for changes in demand and external pressures.
Earlier this year, Kommersant reported that the price of gasoline and diesel on the St. Petersburg International Commodity Exchange SPIMEX had fallen to multi-year lows. Market observers anticipated the impact of the European Union embargo on Russian petroleum product imports, slated to begin in February, which could alter export patterns even as domestic supply remains stable.
The statements reflect a governance approach aimed at stabilizing domestic availability and pricing while managing refinery maintenance cycles and export-led pressures. Analysts highlighted the importance of inventory management, domestic demand trends, and exchange-driven price signals for shaping fuel dynamics in the near term. The assessments align with prior government communications about maintaining steady supply for households and businesses amid seasonal fluctuations and geopolitical influences. The broader context includes ongoing efforts to balance national energy security with export commitments, ensuring that households do not face price volatility during transitional periods or disruptions in global markets, as reported by TASS and Kommersant.
In evaluating the current situation, market observers focus on how inventories are managed through peak consumption periods, how seasonal patterns affect demand, and how the domestic trading framework responds to external policy shifts. The FAS leadership’s statements emphasize that the country’s energy system is being monitored to prevent disruptions that could affect everyday-life costs. This includes coordination with refinery operators to align maintenance schedules with the goal of uninterrupted supply, while also considering the potential impact of sanctions, trade restrictions, and evolving regulatory expectations on domestic pricing signals. The narrative remains consistent with prior government communications that priority attention should be given to household and business needs across fluctuating market conditions, and it underscores the central role of transparent information dissemination in maintaining public trust, as reflected in the coverage from TASS and Kommersant.