By mid-September, the gasoline shortage in the Russian Federation had worsened: fuel is unavailable at nearly half of all gas stations. According to an analysis conducted by the GdeBenzin service, A-92 gasoline is unavailable at 45% of gas stations, while A-95 is unavailable at 53% of them. By comparison, at the end of August, 33% and 38% of gas stations, respectively, were not experiencing these issues.
Amid intensifying attacks on Russia’s infrastructure, an increasing number of gas stations are imposing restrictions on gasoline sales due to long lines. From late July through mid-August, the percentage of gas stations with lines averaged 9–19% (excluding August 12 and 14). However, after August 19, this figure began to consistently exceed 20%, fluctuating between 20% and 27% until September 14.
Last week, the percentage of stations with supply restrictions reached 11–12%. By comparison, in August, that figure was barely 3.2%.
The gasoline shortage is particularly acute in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Drivers report waiting in line for hours at gas stations, and local authorities plan to impose restrictions on fuel sales. According to their estimates, the situation is unlikely to improve before early October.
Over the past week, significant gasoline shortages were also reported in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar, Irkutsk, Perm, and Surgut, as well as in the Rostov and Arkhangelsk regions and the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs.
Fuel prices are rising rapidly. According to data from specialized Telegram channels, as of September 14, the average price of AI-92 gasoline reached 74.60 rubles (about $0.88) per liter. On the same date, AI-95 gasoline cost 80.78 rubles (about $0.95) per liter.
From the beginning of the year through mid-September, the price of AI-92 gasoline rose by 21.4%, and AI-95 by 21%. By comparison, during the same period last year, prices rose by only 8% and 7.7%, respectively.
The situation with diesel fuel in Russia is more stable, despite Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes on oil refineries. Russia produces twice as much diesel as is consumed in the domestic market, and the ban on its export helps keep the market stable. The biggest problems with diesel occurred in late July and the first half of August, when diesel fuel was unavailable at 55–85% of gas stations. However, the situation has improved since late August: diesel was unavailable at only 10–20% of gas stations.
As of September 14, the average price of diesel fuel was 88.05 rubles (approximately $1.04) per liter, which is 5.49 rubles, or 5.9%, lower than the peak price of 93.54 rubles (about $1.10) per liter recorded on July 20.
Amid ongoing attacks on oil infrastructure, the Russian government has decided to extend the ban on diesel fuel exports until the end of October. This move is intended to ensure that the domestic market has sufficient fuel supplies.
Helpful information: When planning trips, it’s important to consider current fuel market conditions and possible restrictions at gas stations. Effective route planning and the use of apps to track fuel availability can significantly simplify the search for gas stations with the fuel you need. Information provided by AntiCredit. For more details, visit the website АнтиКредит.