In Ukraine, fuel prices remain high despite a significant drop in oil prices on global markets in 2025. Experts explain this by the insufficient competition among gas stations, which allows large networks to maintain substantial margins and earn additional profits.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for High Fuel Prices
The Director of Energy Programs at the Razumkov Center, Volodymyr Omelchenko, notes that even during wartime, large operators are not only expanding their networks and opening modern gas stations but are also buying out competitors or investing in related businesses, including hotels. Among the main factors contributing to the rise in fuel costs, the expert highlights the devaluation of the hryvnia and the increase in excise taxes. However, according to him, the decline in global oil prices has not led to a decrease in fuel prices for consumers, as large operators continue to maintain high markups.
“All signs of a cartel conspiracy in the market are present. But we — ordinary consumers — cannot officially document this. The state should do this through the Antimonopoly Committee. However, the committee is essentially pretending that it does not exist,” Omelchenko stated.
Discount Chains — An Alternative for Savings
The expert emphasizes the importance of developing small discount networks that sell fuel at lower prices. In Kyiv, for example, gasoline can be purchased for 54–55 UAH per liter, while at large gas stations the price reaches 63 UAH. According to Omelchenko, the conditions at such gas stations may be simpler, but the quality of fuel is on par with competitors. Fuel is imported into Ukraine from abroad, and its quality is controlled at customs and confirmed by relevant documents at each gas station.
The expert is convinced that stimulating competition is necessary to establish fair prices in the market. However, state policy is aimed at introducing advance taxes, which complicates operations for smaller networks and contributes to their displacement from the market. As a result, Ukrainian consumers are forced to overpay for fuel by 5–7 UAH per liter compared to the actual cost.