The fuel crisis has prompted the authorities of Dagestan to consider the operation of federal gas stations in the republic.
The authorities of Dagestan are negotiating with vertically integrated oil companies about working in the republic. Fuel prices at gas stations in Dagestan have not decreased, despite the fact that purchase prices have fallen and there is no shortage, said the chairman of the government, suggesting that the antimonopoly service should act more actively.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", fuel prices in Dagestan are higher than in neighboring regions, as private gas station owners try to profit from the fuel crisis, some residents of the republic stated, commenting on the fuel situation on social media. Other commentators pointed out that wholesalers have exacerbated the problem by raising prices for gasoline and diesel fuel. Many private gas station owners, against the backdrop of the crisis, made large purchases, and fuel prices will decrease after the sale of stocks, said Dagtoplivo.
On July 27, residents of Dagestan complained on social media about high fuel prices. They demanded that the authorities and antimonopoly officials stop the rise in fuel prices at gas stations and check gas station owners for possible collusion.
The authorities of Dagestan note the stabilization of the fuel supply situation, reports the press service of the republic's government.
"Currently, the situation has stabilized. Fuel supplies to gas stations are being carried out in a regular mode, and there is no shortage. Due to the rise in gasoline prices, the demand for liquefied hydrocarbon gas has increased by about 30%, which has also affected the price level. Given the current situation, the ministry has organized ongoing monitoring of fuel supply volumes, fuel availability at gas stations, and exchange and retail prices," the message on the government's Telegram channel states.
At the same time, a significant increase in fuel prices is noted. Fuel prices have risen from 70 to 115 rubles per liter (AI-92) and from 75 to 120 rubles per liter (AI-95) since May. The cost of liquefied hydrocarbon gas has increased by about 76%.
The head of the government noted that despite the decrease in wholesale fuel prices, prices in Dagestan are not decreasing. In his opinion, more active work by the antimonopoly service is needed.
"Wholesale suppliers are lowering prices today, and we see this. However, our gas stations are not lowering fuel prices. They are purchasing it at lower prices, but for consumers, prices remain the same. I would like to note the weak work in this direction. If we compare purchase and retail prices, a significant difference becomes obvious. In other regions of the Russian Federation, fuel prices are significantly lower, as we have already said. In our region, prices hardly change. This is very bad. It is not possible to talk about powerlessness here. In this situation, active work by the Federal Antimonopoly Service is important. If the existing powers are insufficient, it is necessary to address and discuss what additional measures are required. But you do not come up with such initiatives and do not discuss the emerging problems with us. Simply stating your powerlessness will not work," said Ramazanov.
The authorities of Dagestan will work on attracting vertically integrated oil companies to the region.
The head of the Government of Dagestan, Magomed Ramazanov, noted that there has been a tense situation in the fuel and gas market in the republic recently.
"Our task today is to assess the current situation, identify the causes of the changes taking place, and make decisions that will ensure the stable operation of the fuel market."
During the meeting, the issue of attracting vertically integrated oil companies was raised. Ramazanov noted that preliminary negotiations are already underway.
In addition, a register of the needs of agricultural producers in Dagestan for fuel for July-September of this year has been compiled to ensure farmers have fuel during the harvest period.