Drivers in Makhachkala reported the continuation of the fuel crisis.

In Makhachkala, it is still difficult to find a functioning gas station, and gasoline prices remain unjustifiably high, drivers surveyed by "Caucasian Knot" reported. Following gasoline, gas prices at gas stations in Dagestan are also rising.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", residents of Dagestan have repeatedly expressed outrage over high gas station prices compared to neighboring regions. Gasoline in Nalchik costs 40 rubles per liter less than in Dagestan, a driver from Dagestan told on social media in early November. On October 18, Dagestani drivers complained that gasoline at gas stations costs 125-130 rubles per liter, despite reports of price reductions.

A correspondent for "Caucasian Knot" visited gas stations on the central streets of Makhachkala today – Shamil and Akushinsky avenues, Ismailov Street. The situation there has not changed since October 15: five out of six gas stations are closed, and the only functioning station sells only gas. The price for it has increased by two rubles since October 15, reaching 47 rubles. There were 15 cars waiting at this gas station.

“In the central part of the city, it is almost impossible to refuel; gas stations are still closed. I have to look for gas stations on the outskirts; yesterday I found AI-95 gasoline for 120 rubles per liter,” said a businessman from Makhachkala Murat to the correspondent of “Caucasian Knot.”

Gas prices have risen over the past week, noted an employee of a budget enterprise Makhach. “Due to high gasoline prices, I installed gas equipment in my car; refueling with gas is much cheaper. But it is also getting more expensive: a week ago, you could refuel at gas stations for 45 rubles, now the price reaches 48 rubles per liter,” he said.

Driver Tagir, who recently returned from a trip across the North Caucasus, confirmed that fuel in neighboring regions is “much cheaper than in Dagestan.” “I don’t understand why our authorities can’t stabilize prices. I work in a courier service, delivering goods around the city in my car. Fuel costs have increased several times since the beginning of the year, and I still need to find a functioning gas station,” he lamented.

An employee in the housing and communal services Saida has been forced to reduce trips in his personal car. “AI-92 costs from 100 to 110 rubles; that’s very expensive. I used to drive to work every day, but now I use public transport. Due to high fuel prices, the prices of many imported products have risen,” the man shared.

Journalist Ludmila Magomedova today compared Dagestani gas station prices with prices in Yekaterinburg. “These figures are only a dream for Dagestanis: 95th – 71-73 rubles, 92nd – 67 rubles. And there’s no need to bring up that old story about the networks again. Who is stopping them from being attracted to Dagestan? The leaders of the republic themselves have said this. It’s just unclear why they are hesitating,” Magomedova wrote in her Telegram channel.

"Caucasian Knot" reported that the head of Dagestan Fedor Shchukin stated the need to accelerate the opening of network gas stations in the republic to enhance competition and reduce fuel prices. According to him, the first "Tatneft" gas station started operating in Dagestan in pilot mode by October 30.

By November 3, there were already two gas stations affiliated with "Tatneft" operating in the republic. The entry of network gas stations into the Dagestan market is hindered by resistance from the local fuel lobby, expensive logistics, and the costs of companies operating completely legally, economists and journalists surveyed by "Caucasian Knot" indicated.