Social media users demanded the dismissal of FAS employees for high gasoline prices in Dagestan.

The Dagestan FAS is weakly working on reducing fuel prices and should not refer to the impossibility of influencing the situation, said the Prime Minister of the Republic, Magomed Ramazanov. Local residents, commenting on Ramazanov's words on social media, demanded the resignation of officials who are failing to regulate the fuel market and suggested allowing network gas stations into Dagestan to enhance competition.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 6, the authorities of Dagestan began negotiations with major oil companies about their operations in the republic. Despite the decrease in purchase prices and the absence of shortages, gasoline at Dagestan gas stations has not become cheaper, said the head of the Dagestan government, Magomed Ramazanov, on the same day.

The purchase cost of fuel is decreasing, however, local gas station owners maintain high retail prices, noted Magomed Ramazanov.

"It is unacceptable to speak of your powerlessness here. If the existing powers are insufficient – come up with initiatives, involve the government, discuss additional tools. But simply stating the inability to influence the situation – that won't work," said Ramazanov, whose words were reported by "Makhachkala News" on August 6.

Ramazanov's criticism of the FAS was published in the Instagram*-public makhachkala_. As of 07:40 Moscow time on August 8, this post in the public, which has about 248 thousand users, received 952 likes and 313 comments.

Some users demanded the dismissal of Dagestan FAS employees if the agency is unable to influence fuel prices.

"If the FAS and you cannot regulate prices for fuel, goods, services, etc., why do we need you? Why do we pay taxes for your maintenance? Resign!" wrote rustammagomedovich_1961.

"Free up the chair, let someone who can solve the issue take your place," urged stranik3588.

User mestnyi_sv compared officials who are failing in their duties to poorly performing football players who are substituted during a match by the coach.

If the FAS lacks sufficient powers, the agency can send materials to the Ministry of Internal Affairs' economic security department, the tax service, and other bodies, noted agasiev_jurist. The absence of such actions was called inaction by the user.

Other discussion participants compared fuel prices in Dagestan with prices in other regions of Russia.

"From Elista to Moscow, AI-92 gasoline is sold at network gas stations for 64–65 rubles per liter, while at private gas stations its cost reaches 110 rubles," wrote maghazarov.

"In Salekhard, AI-92 costs 65 rubles, AI-95 – 71 rubles," noted ru.slan3060.

"Gasoline prices in Makhachkala are about twice as high as in Moscow," pointed out gusarevmikhail.

"At different gas stations in Makhachkala, AI-95 is sold at prices ranging from 110 to 135 rubles per liter," reported ekaterina_999_________. According to her, some gas stations only accept cash and do not issue receipts.

A number of commentators suggested attracting large gas station networks to Dagestan to enhance competition in the fuel market.

"Network gas stations are needed for competition," wrote abdulla192118.

User shamvvill suggested opening state gas stations, while _amirov_r_r proposed allowing "Lukoil", "Gazprom", and "Tatneft" gas stations into the republic.

"Local gas station owners take advantage of the lack of competition and keep prices high," believes rain_0009.

Some other users also suggested the possibility of an agreement among gas station owners, but did not provide evidence for this.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that on August 2, residents of Dagestan explained the high cost of gasoline by the desire of private gas station owners to profit from the fuel crisis. Social media users also complained about the low quality of fuel and the lack of effective measures from the authorities and regulatory bodies. Other users indicated that prices might have risen due to the actions of wholesale suppliers.

At the end of July, Dagestan drivers demanded that the authorities and the antimonopoly service stop the price increase and check gas station owners for possible collusion. Residents of the republic pointed out that gasoline in Dagestan is significantly more expensive than in neighboring regions. The high cost of fuel forced motorists to reduce trips and increased family budget expenses.