Russia orders further regional fuel-supply measures as antitrust cases reach 67

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has instructed Russian ministries and fuel companies to intensify measures to supply the regions, balance petroleum-product production with consumption and respond promptly to unjustified price increases. The instructions followed a meeting on conditions in the fuel market.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service reported 67 cases and 99 warnings in its work against possible violations in the fuel market. The government also reported 94 agreements between regional authorities and independent filling stations intended to regulate the price situation. Cases and warnings describe enforcement activity, not a finding that every allegation has been proved.

Officials reviewed responses to violations and price fluctuations in Lipetsk and Kirov regions and the Republic of Tyva. Regional leaders described fuel availability, filling-station operations and additional steps to meet local demand. Conditions were also considered in Orenburg, Kemerovo and Arkhangelsk regions, Altai and Kamchatka territories, Kabardino-Balkaria and Khakassia.

The government says the domestic petrol and diesel market is stabilizing and that price growth at filling stations owned by vertically integrated oil companies is not exceeding inflation. That is the government's assessment; it does not mean supply and prices are identical in every region or at independent operators.

Novak has highlighted vulnerable regions, particularly those without a major integrated oil company, where logistics and resource constraints can affect deliveries. The stated next step is for the Energy Ministry and industry to bring targeted measures to the next coordination meeting. Instructions and price agreements still need to translate into fuel arriving where it is required.