Lines and high prices persist at Nalchik gas stations.

Some Nalchik gas stations sell fuel at acceptable prices, but there are long lines. At private gas stations, there are almost no lines, gasoline is always available, but this fuel is more expensive and in some cases of lower quality.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 12, residents of Kabardino-Balkaria doubted the imminent reduction in fuel prices in the republic and pointed to the lower cost of fuel in neighboring regions.

At some gas stations in Nalchik, there is gasoline at an acceptable price, but there are long lines, said driver Anzor Aslanov. "You can refuel with gasoline at an acceptable price at 'Rosneft' gas stations, but you have to stand in a long line. It may turn out that there won't be enough gasoline for everyone. For example, yesterday afternoon there was no gasoline at 'Rosneft' gas stations," he told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

At private gas stations, gasoline is always available and there are no lines, but it is at a higher price.

Thus, at 'Rosneft' gas stations, AI-92 gasoline is sold for 65 rubles 70 kopecks per liter, AI-100 – 99 rubles 90 kopecks, diesel fuel – 76 rubles 36 kopecks, gas – 36 rubles 35 kopecks. At private gas stations, AI-95 is sold for 129 rubles per liter, AI-92 – 120 rubles, diesel fuel – 105 rubles, gas – 41 ruble.

Anzor Aslanov noted that when he has time, he stands in line to refuel with cheap gasoline, but when he is in a hurry, he refuels at private gas stations, which, according to him, hits his wallet hard.

At private gas stations, the fuel may be of lower quality. "For example, this morning I refueled in the village of Zayukovo. The gasoline turned out to be of poor quality, and I had to switch to gas," Aslanov said.

The driver noted that he heard that gasoline in neighboring republics – Chechnya and North Ossetia – is cheaper and there are no lines at gas stations there. In Aslanov's opinion, it makes no sense to go there to refuel, as the road is not close.

"Another thing is why the Antimonopoly Committee does not pay attention to the fact that private operators are inflating fuel prices. This indicates that these private operators have influence and power and are allowed to exploit the situation for personal enrichment," he believes.

A correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" visited four gas stations in Nalchik today. At the 'Lukoil' gas station on Ossetinskaya Street, there was a long line. Meanwhile, according to the information board, only AI-76 gasoline was available.

A long line of cars also formed at the 'Rosneft' gas station near the 'Dubki' market. At this gas station, the information board displayed only zeros. The delivery of gasoline was only expected.

At two private gas stations – 'NTK' and 'Ahvaz' – there were no lines, but gasoline cost twice as much. On August 14, in the afternoon, there was no gasoline at all at the 'Rosneft' gas station, reported a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

According to the statistics department of Kabardino-Balkaria, the average price for a liter of gasoline in August was 102.88 rubles, in June – 87.11 rubles. Since the beginning of the year, diesel fuel, gasoline, and gas have increased in price by 35.95% – 54.87%.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that residents of Kabardino-Balkaria on July 28 complained about high prices, queues, and disruptions in the operation of gas stations. The cost of fuel at some gas stations reached 135–150 rubles per liter. Commentators on social media compared fuel prices at gas stations in Kabardino-Balkaria with prices for fuel in neighboring regions, demanding that authorities strengthen price control in the republic.