Shchukin's promise to establish network gas stations has encouraged Dagestani drivers.

In the near future, gas stations of large network companies will start operating in Dagestan, promised the head of the republic, Fyodor Shchukin. Dagestani drivers, commenting on his promise on social media, expressed hope for improved gasoline quality and lower fuel prices with the start of network gas stations, and called for their opening to be expedited.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 18, Dagestani drivers complained that gasoline at gas stations costs 125–130 rubles per liter, despite reports of price reductions. Earlier, on September 29, the head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service for Dagestan, Kair Babaev, linked the situation in the republic to the absence of a vertically integrated oil company that combines production and sale of fuel. According to him, the local market depends on independent suppliers who purchase gasoline on the free market: disruptions in the operation of oil refineries limit available volumes, creating shortages and pushing prices up.

The head of Dagestan Fyodor Shchukin stated the need to expedite the opening of network gas stations (NGS) to enhance competition and lower fuel prices. According to him, the first "Tatneft" gas station is already operating in the republic in a startup mode, and five more are technically ready to operate.

"Here the task is one, to bring in the networks as quickly as possible. Our "Tatneft" already has the first gas station operating in startup mode. At least five more gas stations are technically ready to operate. By my instruction, the chairman of the government has conducted negotiations with one of the largest producers who has shown interest in entering our market. <...> We must implement this situation in the interests of the residents of the republic, motorists, and everyone. That is, to bring these gas stations in as quickly as possible, so that there is a price reduction, there is competition. And I think the residents of the republic will feel this," Shchukin said in a video interview published on October 30 on the Instagram page of RGVK "Dagestan".

The video with Shchukin's statement was also published by the Instagram public makhachkala_, which has about 264 thousand followers. As of 08:50 Moscow time on November 2, this post received 1514 likes and 530 comments.

Dagestani drivers in the comments supported the opening of network gas stations, hoping for reduced expenses and improved fuel quality. "Finally, the networks will come to Dagestan, and the gasoline will be normal, and the price," wrote tokar_05.

"Launching networks like "Lukoil", "Gazpromneft", "Tatneft", etc., will automatically control the price. It needs to be done for the people," believes gezerov_798605.

"We need to get the network gas stations working in Dagestan as quickly as possible, as many as possible. Why should I buy fuel at cosmic prices from private sellers when I can refuel at a reasonable price at network gas stations," wrote askhad_gadzhiev.

Other participants in the discussion doubted that the arrival of large companies would solve the problem of high fuel prices by itself. "We have "Tatneft", but prices are not much lower, and often there is no gasoline," noted xacavyurt.

"Tatneft" came to Dagestan, but they also raised prices," wrote anvaks.

"I was happy when "Tatneft" entered the republic, why don't they control fuel prices there? After all, they are a network, and prices there are like at private gas stations," questioned mairbek_dzhangulaev.

Another part of the commentators demanded concrete results from the authorities and pointed out the difference in fuel prices between regions. "We need results, make prices like in all regions," urged zshfgn1.

"The direct blame lies with the authorities of Dagestan and the People's Assembly; it is necessary to develop laws regulating prices. We demand urgent measures," wrote kyrsk46list.

"In Kislovodsk, at the moment, 95 gasoline costs 77 rubles. There are no queues or restrictions, fill up as much as you want. In Khasavyurt, it cost 120 rubles two days ago. How is this even possible?" asked travmatolog_hasavyurt.

Recall that earlier economist Khalil Khalilov linked high markups on fuel in Dagestan to a lack of competition. According to his assessment, the market is divided among independent sellers who are not interested in reducing their profitability, while the arrival of large fuel companies could create a competitive environment. The head of the Union of Entrepreneurs of Dagestan Magomed Abakarov pointed to another component of the problem: local gas station operators cannot directly purchase gasoline from refineries and depend on large intermediaries who determine the terms of sale.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that the reduction in prices after a sharp rise does not alleviate complaints from motorists in other republics of the North Caucasus. Thus, on October 31, drivers in Kabardino-Balkaria complained about the high cost of fuel and problems with its availability, although some motorists confirmed a reduction in queues and improved supply at gas stations.