In the Russian Federation, there is a rapid increase in fuel prices, which has already surpassed the official inflation rate in the country. The price of gasoline in some regions has exceeded 70 rubles per liter, while the average price across the country at the end of August stands at 61.7 rubles per liter. In many areas, there are queues at gas stations, and restrictions on sales and a rationing system have been introduced.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the sharp rise in fuel prices in Russia
According to Rosstat, over the past year, the price of A-92 gasoline has risen from 53.4 to 58.5 rubles per liter (an increase of 8%), while A-95 has gone from 57 to nearly 64 rubles (a 13% increase). The situation has become particularly acute in the summer of 2025. In the first week of August alone, the exchange price of A-92 gasoline reached a record 70.9 thousand rubles per ton, while AI-95 approached 80 thousand rubles.
In some regions, particularly in Transbaikalia, the price of A-92 increased by 2% in one week, while A-95 rose by 1.8%. Even in remote areas, price increases are being recorded. In the Rostov region, from May to August, the price of gasoline exceeded 65 rubles per liter.
Analysts explain this price increase by a number of factors:
- increased tax burden and rising logistics costs;
- limited supply due to more profitable fuel exports;
- force majeure repairs at oil refineries;
- strikes by Ukrainian drones on refineries and pipelines in Russia.
“According to estimates from Ukrainian intelligence, capacities amounting to over 44 million tons of oil per year have been affected – more than 10% of Russian production.”
Gasoline shortages and government actions
Supply issues have prompted Russia to make emergency purchases of raw materials from Belarus. At the same time, Ukraine is attempting to limit this supply channel by attacking the “Druzhba” pipeline, which leads to Hungary and Slovakia.
The Kremlin leadership held an urgent meeting with representatives of the largest oil companies in an effort to stabilize the situation. The government temporarily banned gasoline exports, but the decision was made too late, after prices had already risen significantly. Fuel reserves in the country are limited and can only temporarily restrain the market.
In several regions, drivers are forced to wait in multi-hour queues at gas stations, and in Crimea, the Khabarovsk Territory, and Primorye, A-95 gasoline has completely disappeared from sale. In the Kuril district, even ration cards have been introduced for emergency services.