Gasoline prices in Russia have risen by 20% over the year, fuel deficit reaches 35% - intelligence

The Russian authorities are trying to convince the population that the fuel crisis is receding, but the real situation indicates the opposite. From July 1 to 10, the average price of AI-92 gasoline at Russian gas stations rose to 64.5 rubles per liter, which is 20% more year-on-year. This is reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, UNN reports.

Details

Russia is again trying to convince its own population that the fuel crisis is receding. Kremlin-controlled media are racing to publish materials about the alleged growth in oil product supplies, partial lifting of restrictions at gas stations, and improvement of the situation in 15 regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The logic is familiar: capitals first, others will have to wait. The rhetoric was also supported by official statements from the Russian leadership, which assures that the situation is fully under control

However, as the intelligence noted, the reality is different. It is noted that the local relief in some regions is explained not by the restoration of production, but by a banal administrative redistribution of available fuel volumes between territories and categories of consumers.

The worst situation persists in the Tambov, Astrakhan, Kirov, Penza, Voronezh, Rostov, Volgograd, Orenburg, and Yaroslavl regions, the Perm Krai, the Chuvash Republic, the Republics of Mordovia and Udmurtia, as well as in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. No stabilization is expected for these regions

From July 1 to 10, the average price of AI-92 gasoline at Russian gas stations rose to 64.5 rubles per liter, which is 20% more year-on-year. AI-95 rose to 77.5 rubles (+24%), and AI-98 soared to 119.5 rubles per liter, adding 32% year-on year. These are signs of a collapsing market.

The main cause of the crisis remains unchanged: fuel production is falling due to damage to refineries. In July, gasoline production in Russia decreased to approximately 71.5 thousand tons per day, while the average summer demand is about 110 thousand tons. In fact, only 65% of the demand is being met. The estimated deficit reaches about 38.5 thousand tons per day, or 35% of total domestic consumption. Everything indicates that the Kremlin is preparing not to overcome the crisis, but for its prolonged existence. The main goal of the regime is not to restore full supply in the market, but to prevent shutdowns in strategically important sectors. Statements about the normalization of the situation perform a purely informational function: they cover the transition to selective distribution of resources, when some receive fuel and others are left with nothing. The gap between official rhetoric and the real state of affairs will only grow, and with it the population's distrust of the Kremlin's ability to ensure even basic stability in its own country will grow

Reminder

Over the year, the cost of freight transportation in Russia increased by almost a third, 28.8%, with the most powerful jump occurring quite recently. In the last month and a half alone, tariffs jumped another 17.5%.