In the regional index for the European part of Russia, summer diesel prices on the St. Petersburg International Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SPIMEX) rose by 0.61% to 72,146 rubles per tonne. This movement was confirmed by the latest trade data from SPIMEX, reflecting ongoing volatility in regional fuel markets.
Since the start of September, this marks the ninth time the price has surpassed its historical high. August saw diesel costs climb more than 18.5%, underscoring a sustained uptrend. In the same period, AI-92 gasoline posted a fresh peak, advancing 0.46% to 68,578 RUB per tonne. September brought a new absolute high for AI-92 for the fifth time, illustrating persistent pressure on gasoline margins. Premium AI-95 also rose by 0.45%, reaching 75,915 RUB per tonne, though it did not exceed the last week’s peak of 76,876 RUB recorded previously. These shifts highlight a market characterized by tight supply segments and fluctuating demand dynamics across the fuel spectrum.
Heating oil advanced by 1.98% during the trading session, landing at 36,271 RUB per tonne. While some fuel categories registered price declines, others maintained strength. Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) fell by 1.81% to 29,210 RUB, and jet fuel softened slightly by 0.05%, with a purchase price around 70,724 RUB per tonne. The mixed movement across fuels suggests differentiated market drivers, including regional demand patterns, seasonal heating needs, and logistics costs influencing not only prices but also the speed at which they move between bought and sold consignments.
Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov recently commented that the ministry is receiving President Putin’s instructions on additional measures to stabilise the fuel market. The government’s focus appears to be on reinforcing supply chains, monitoring price signals, and ensuring transparency across trading platforms to reduce volatility for consumers and industry alike. Observers note that such steps often aim to balance short-term price spikes with longer-term market confidence.
Previously, the Ministry of Energy considered other tools, including the potential restriction of fuel exports from the Russian Federation. These considerations reflect a broader policy instinct to protect domestic markets during periods of escalation in global energy markets while maintaining reasonable access to essential fuels for industrial users. Analysts emphasize that any export controls would need to be carefully calibrated to avoid unintended shortages at home or ripple effects in neighboring markets. The current data from SPIMEX, combined with official signals, suggests a cautious but proactive stance from authorities as they navigate price pressures and supply reliability in a volatile energy environment.