International fuel prices in St. Petersburg have reached a record high of over 60,000 rubles per ton for АИ-95 gasoline, according to RBK. This is the highest price seen since September 2023. Despite the implementation of an export duty on fuel prices in Russia since March 1, 2024, the cost of gasoline in St. Petersburg continues to rise. The increase in prices can be attributed to the growing expenses of refining crude oil for oil refineries that do not receive any tax benefits.

The RBK source suggests that the surge in fuel prices is primarily driven by the increase in demand and the balancing of supply and demand. “Due to the challenging market situation, consumers are taking precautions by purchasing in advance,” stated the source.

The Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation stated on March 13 that the situation is under evaluation and there are no shortages or risks anticipated.

Incidents also occurred at various oil refineries, with a fire breaking out at the Nizhny Novgorod refinery on March 12, caused by an explosion in the hydrogen unit. The fires at the Ryazan and Novoshakhtinsk oil refineries were extinguished the following day. Additionally, reports emerged about repair works at the Volgograd and Tuyapse oil refineries. Fortunately, the Kazan oil refinery was able to quickly resume normal operations after undergoing repair work.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am