The decrease in gasoline prices in southern Russia was the result of cheaper fuel at private gas stations.

Rosstat reported a decrease in prices for automotive fuel in 61 regions of Russia, with the largest drop in gasoline prices observed in Kalmykia and Kabardino-Balkaria. This refers to a decrease in prices at private gas stations, where prices were significantly inflated during the period of shortage; no significant changes occurred at federal gas stations, local residents reported.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", gasoline in Nalchik costs 40 rubles per liter less than in Dagestan, a local driver shared on social media. Other Dagestani motorists, commenting on his message, reported that they are forced to buy AI-95 for 120 rubles per liter, accusing local gas station owners of price gouging and expressing hope that the opening of gas stations from major fuel networks will solve the problem of high fuel prices.

Rosstat recorded a decrease in gasoline prices

The average retail price of gasoline in Russia decreased by 2.3% from October 27 to November 2, amounting to 74.84 rubles per liter, according to Rosstat materials.

The price of AI-92 gasoline decreased by an average of 2.5% to 70.71 rubles per liter. The price of AI-95 fell by 2.3% to 77.08 rubles per liter. AI-98 and higher decreased by 0.5% to 104.1 rubles.

Diesel fuel became cheaper by 0.2%, amounting to 86.38 rubles per liter. Overall, according to the agency, prices decreased in 61 regions.

For example, in Kalmykia, by 20.3%; in Kabardino-Balkaria — by 13%; in Astrakhan region by 7%, reports RIA "Novosti" citing agency data.

According to the report on Rosstat's website, gasoline remains the most expensive in the Southern Federal District (excluding Crimea) in Kalmykia - on average 80.29 rubles, followed by Rostov region - 78.79, and Kuban - 78.16 rubles per liter.

In the North Caucasus Federal District, the highest gasoline price remains in Dagestan -- 113.83, followed by Chechnya - 99.2 rubles, and Kabardino-Balkaria - 87.05 rubles.

Residents of southern Russia suggested a decrease in prices due to private gas stations

A resident of Elista, car enthusiast Igor, reported that gasoline prices slightly decreased at federal network gas stations, but the decrease was mainly influenced by the drop in prices at regional, smaller gas stations.

"There, the price decreased significantly. Well, conditionally speaking, gasoline cost 140 rubles per liter for the 95th. Now, probably, I saw it at 85 — such a price, it even reached 140 rubles. I personally filled up at 140. Now there is enough gasoline produced, and prices have changed because there are no queues now. Before, there were restrictions: the gas station operated, conditionally speaking, from six in the morning to nine or ten, there was a limit of 40 liters when there were serious disruptions," - he said.

A car enthusiast from Astrakhan Maxim reported that gasoline is available — there is 92nd, 95th, 100th, and there are no queues.

There was a shortage for a long time, about two months. People stood in line for three to four hours.

In Nalchik, according to local resident Oleg, prices at federal gas stations did not decrease.

"When gasoline appeared a couple of weeks ago, on the contrary, it increased by a couple of rubles, as far as I notice. And this increase remains. Yes, it's not critical because when there was a shortage, people stood in lines, waiting. Therefore, such a negligible increase I don't think significantly affects people's moods. The shortage lasted a long time, about two months. People stood in line for three to four hours. Sometimes people would take their place in line at two in the morning and leave for their business, then fill up by morning. In general, it varied. At private gas stations, it was always available, just at a different price, somewhere around 130, 140. Now the price has also dropped there. Today I passed by — the 92nd gasoline at "Lukoil" cost 69, but recently it was 67. You rejoice that there are no queues, and thank God, at private gas stations it has decreased significantly, while at network stations like "Lukoil", "Rosneft" — plus or minus the same," - his words are quoted in the publication.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that drivers in Dagestan regularly complain about high gasoline prices. For example, on October 18, drivers reported that a liter of gasoline at local gas stations costs 125–130 rubles. On September 12, motorists demanded that authorities lower fuel prices, stating that they have remained high for three months. On August 17, drivers reported that their monthly gasoline expenses increased by several thousand rubles, forcing them to cut back on trips.