Drivers in Kalmykia called the decrease in gasoline prices insufficient.
There is no longer a gasoline shortage at gas stations in Kalmykia, but fuel prices have not returned to pre-crisis levels and remain prohibitively high for many residents of the republic, drivers stated.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", at the beginning of November, Rosstat reported a decrease in gasoline prices in 61 regions of Russia, with the most significant drop occurring in Kalmykia and Kabardino-Balkaria. This refers to price reductions at private gas stations, where prices were significantly inflated during the shortage; no substantial changes occurred at federal gas stations, local residents reported. In October, residents of Kalmykia told "Caucasian Knot" that they had to significantly reduce their personal trips.
On November 10, a correspondent from “Caucasian Knot” learned the opinions of Elista drivers regarding the current situation in the fuel sales sector in the region. Despite the decrease in gasoline prices at gas stations, drivers still consider gasoline prices to be unreasonably high. The survey is not representative and reflects only the private opinions of the respondents.
There have been no problems with fuel availability in the republic for the past two weeks, and the price of the popular A-92 gasoline has significantly decreased, confirmed a temporarily unemployed resident of Elista Bova.
At the same time, he believes that the level is still quite high. “I rarely refuel; we are trying not to drive our car for trivial matters. Gasoline prices, although they have decreased, are still exorbitant for our family,” Bova said.
The man explained that he has a large family. In recent years, he has been earning money by selling products from his own farm, so the family saves “on everything, including gasoline.”
His eldest son, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that he last refueled the car a week ago. “I only filled half a tank. We mainly move around the city using public transport,” the young man noted.
Twenty-seven-year-old Andrey Zuev works as a driver for one of the logistics companies. He and his wife are engaged in transporting goods across Kalmykia and to neighboring regions.
“I drive a ‘Gazelle’ every day. It’s new, and we refuel with 95 (A-95 grade). We prefer to refuel at the ‘Lukoil’ station because the gasoline quality is better. Well, sometimes we stop at ‘Gazprom’. Most often, we refuel on Lenin Street. Sometimes on Northern Street – we have a base nearby,” Andrey said.
The man reported that he has not encountered queues at gas stations for the third week now. There are no restrictions on the volume of fuel refueling, and prices have decreased: A-92 costs 69 rubles per liter, A-95 has dropped to 75 rubles, and diesel fuel to 82 rubles. According to Zuev's observations, A-100 is not sold in Kalmykia.
Zuev's wife, Natalia, added that she sometimes encounters closed gas stations, and at some gas stations, they sell either only diesel fuel or A-92 grade. According to the woman, “these are private gas stations.” “During peak hours in the mornings, there are sometimes queues at ‘Lukoil’ stations – up to 15 cars at each pump. Today in the afternoon, we drove along Lenin Street – there were practically no cars at the gas station,” she reported.
Natalia also stated that the price level of fuel in Kalmykia is still quite high.
“Of course, that price chaos when gasoline was sold for 120-140 rubles (per liter) is no longer there; prices have somehow been regulated – apparently, the republican authorities managed to negotiate with the sellers. But fuel is still very expensive. It needs to be reduced to the level of 2022, when A-92 cost less than 60 rubles, and A-95 – 71 rubles (per liter). Such prices fuel inflation, and we have to charge more for our services (goods transportation) – demand has noticeably decreased,” Natalia Zueva said.