Russia hit by second wave of fuel crisis as gasoline prices reach new records
Photo: Gasoline prices hit a record high in Russia (Getty Images)
A second wave of the fuel crisis has begun in Russia, pushing average prices for AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline to new record highs, according to the Agentstvo.Novosti Telegram channel.
According to analysts, the second wave of the fuel crisis began after a temporary easing in early August. By September 14, the average price of AI-92 gasoline in the aggressor country had risen to 74.60 rubles per liter. During the first wave, the price reached 73.85 rubles before falling to 72.17 rubles.
AI-95 gasoline followed a similar trajectory. After rising to 79.94 rubles during the first wave and then falling to 78.21 rubles, its average price reached 80.78 rubles per liter by September 14.
Overall, from the beginning of the year through mid-September, AI-92 gasoline rose in price by 21.4%, while AI-95 increased by 21%. By comparison, over the same period last year, prices rose by only 8% and 7.7%, respectively.
Diesel fuel has followed a different trend. As of September 14, it cost an average of 88.05 rubles per liter, which was 5.49 rubles (5.9%) below the peak of the first wave on July 20, when the price reached 93.54 rubles.
Regions with the biggest price increases and shortages
Over the past four weeks, prices rose the most in the following regions:
- Dagestan: AI-92 increased by 33.6%, while AI-95 rose by 35.6%;
- Tyumen region: AI-92 increased by 19.6%, while AI-95 rose by 29.9%;
- Ingushetia: AI-92 increased by 17.9%, while AI-95 rose by 18%.
One of the main centers of the new fuel crisis has been St. Petersburg, which has faced the most serious shortages. As of September 14, AI-92 gasoline was available at only one in four gas stations in the city, while AI-95 was available at slightly more than one in five.
Fuel availability was even lower than at the peak of the first wave in early July, when AI-95 could be found at 20% of gas stations and AI-92 at roughly one-third of them.
The aggressor country's Leningrad region introduced a single limit on fuel sales at gas stations. Drivers will be allowed to purchase no more than 30 liters per refueling.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that oil refining at the Syzran and Saratov refineries in Russia had been halted. They were hit by Ukrainian strikes several days ago.
