Makhachkala drivers complained about gas station prices.
Gas station prices are still high, but there are no queues or limits, said drivers from Makhachkala. Only a small part of the existing gas stations are operating in Makhachkala, and inspections and inventory of closed gas stations will begin in August for their subsequent reopening, informed the Union of Entrepreneurs of Dagestan.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the Dagestan government noted that the situation has stabilized, fuel supplies to gas stations are being carried out as usual, and there is no shortage. However, fuel prices have risen since May from 70 to 115 rubles per liter (AI-92) and from 75 to 120 rubles per liter (AI-95). The price of liquefied petroleum gas has increased by about 76%. Authorities blamed the antimonopoly service for not being active enough in reducing prices at private gas stations and stated that negotiations are underway with vertically integrated oil companies. Local residents demanded the resignation of officials who are failing to regulate the fuel market and suggested allowing network gas stations into Dagestan to enhance competition.
Fuel prices in Dagestan are higher than in neighboring regions because private gas station owners are trying to profit from the fuel crisis, some residents of the republic commented 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 made large purchases amid the crisis, and fuel prices will decrease after selling off their stocks, Dagtoplivo stated.
A taxi driver Artur told a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot" that the company did not raise tariffs after the fuel price increase.
"But it has become less profitable to drive, as costs are higher, and the driver is left with much less profit," the taxi driver said.
Fuel prices have recently decreased somewhat at several gas stations, while at some stations they remained the same as at the end of July, Makhachkala residents told a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot".
"I filled up a couple of days ago, AI-95 cost 130 rubles, AI-92 125 rubles. There were no restrictions on sales to one person at this gas station," said Kadi.
"On August 7, I found a gas station where AI-95 cost 100 rubles, while at others it was 115-130. Gas cost 40 rubles. There were no restrictions on fuel sales at certain hours or limits on dispensing," says Murad.
"There are no federal gas stations in Dagestan, except for a few 'Tatneft' stations. Therefore, there is no competition; local entrepreneurs can collude to keep prices high. Yesterday I filled up with 95 gasoline for 125 rubles, which is very expensive," said Rasul.
The author of the Telegram channel "Ask Rasul" noted that recently the Dagestan government has been actively using citizens' lack of information to make the antimonopoly service the "scapegoat" in the issue of rising fuel prices.
"However, the reality looks different. There are no levers: the FAS by law cannot order private gas stations to lower or raise prices. The specifics of the market: each gas station in Dagestan is a separate legal entity. It is impossible to force hundreds of independent owners to maintain one price without strict state regulation, which does not exist in the Russian Federation. The main culprit of the fuel crisis is the Ministry of Energy of Dagestan, which has completely failed its responsibilities but is trying to hide behind the FAS," the publication states.
In Makhachkala, inspections and inventory of closed gas stations will begin in August for their subsequent reopening, such an agreement has been reached, according to a publication in the Telegram channel of the Union of Entrepreneurs of Dagestan. It is also noted that according to the association "Dagtoplivo", there are 112 gas stations registered in Makhachkala, but currently, only 10-15 stations are functioning, according to various estimates.
"The activities of several gas stations and gas filling stations have been suspended by supervisory authorities due to violations of fire and industrial safety, as well as non-compliance with minimum distances to residential buildings and the boundaries of sanitary protection zones. Currently, the owners of the facilities are addressing the issues. The parties have agreed to begin a phased joint inspection of the gas stations, starting with the least problematic facilities that have a minimal number of violations," reports the Union of Entrepreneurs.