More than a third of Moscow gas stations may be closed for an unspecified period. Independent filling stations faced problems due to the refusal of the Moscow Oil Refinery to supply them with high-quality fuel.
Already in early September, without explaining the reasons, the Moscow Refinery refused to sell AI-95, 92 and 98 fuel to operators. And soon the main oil refinery in the capital, which produces about 150 thousand tons of gasoline for the Moscow market, will be closed for scheduled repairs, which could significantly aggravate the situation …
Due to the refusal to sell gasoline at the Moscow refinery and the lack of other options, operators of independent gas stations began buying it in Yaroslavl. The news about the upcoming shutdown of the plant influenced the change in the exchange prices for fuel towards higher prices. Also, the cost of delivery from Yaroslavl and transshipment has now been added to the cost of gasoline. Taking into account employee salaries, taxes and other expenses, operators are forced to set the retail price at 34 rubles. Most likely, no one will trade at such a price: customers will refuel at gas stations, where the price per liter will be below 30 rubles.
Only gas stations owned by oil companies can afford to sell gasoline at a price not exceeding 30 rubles per liter. If the situation remains unchanged, most independent gas stations will have to stop their activities.
After the shutdown of the production complex in Moscow, the regions will meet the demand for fuel in the capital. However, it is not yet known how the task will be carried out. Most likely, the Federal Antimonopoly Service will need to intervene in the matter.
At the enterprise itself, they urge not to dramatize the situation, promising that during the repair it does not plan to stop work and reduce production volumes. To compensate for the shortage of fuel products during the repair work, the Gazpromneft-MNPZ plant today forms reserve stocks of oil products.
