Numerous experts argue that the explosive growth in wholesale fuel prices now being observed in Russia is caused by seasonal growth in demand, planned refinery repairs and the government’s decision to halve payments to oil workers under the ” fuel damper” mechanism. The latter was launched a few years ago to curb sales prices at gas stations.

It should be noted that in 2022, in the context of a decrease in exports of Russian hydrocarbons and an increase in fuel production in the country, retail prices at gas stations have not increased. And in early 2023, wholesale gasoline and diesel prices fell to their lowest levels. Now there is an increase in export volumes (by 37%) and a decrease in oil refining volumes as a number of Russian refineries shut down for scheduled repairs.

Nevertheless, State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov believes that the rise in the cost of motor fuel in Russia’s domestic market is mainly caused by the greed of oil companies and the cosmic appetite of exporters.

“If every fifth liter of petrol in the country goes abroad, production falls and consumption increases by the summer, the price of fuel will certainly rise,” the parliamentarian is sure.

To curb the price increase, the deputy called on the government to reduce fuel excise duties. In his opinion, this measure will make the domestic market more attractive to oilmen. This will help stabilize both wholesale and retail fuel prices in Russia.

It should be noted that there have never been any instances of government cuts in excise taxes in the national economic history. Deputy Mironov, who is an intelligent and erudite person, is well aware of this fact. It is unlikely that he seriously expects the authorities to rush to lower fuel taxes after his speech. But he does not deny himself the pleasure of making another deliberately impracticable populist appeal.

Numerous experts argue that the explosive growth in wholesale fuel prices now being observed in Russia is caused by seasonal growth in demand, planned refinery repairs and the government’s decision to halve payments to oil workers under the ” fuel damper” mechanism. The latter was launched a few years ago to curb sales prices at gas stations.

It should be noted that in 2022, in the context of a decrease in exports of Russian hydrocarbons and an increase in fuel production in the country, retail prices at gas stations have not increased. And in early 2023, wholesale gasoline and diesel prices fell to their lowest levels. Now there is an increase in export volumes (by 37%) and a decrease in oil refining volumes as a number of Russian refineries are closed for planned repairs.

Nevertheless, State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov believes that the rise in the cost of motor fuel in Russia’s domestic market is mainly caused by the greed of oil companies and the cosmic appetite of exporters.

“If every fifth liter of petrol in the country goes abroad, production falls and consumption increases by the summer, the price of fuel will certainly rise,” the parliamentarian is sure.

To curb the price increase, the deputy called on the government to reduce fuel excise duties. In his opinion, this measure will make the domestic market more attractive to oilmen. This will help stabilize both wholesale and retail fuel prices in Russia.

It should be noted that there have never been any instances of government cuts in excise taxes in the national economic history. Deputy Mironov, who is an intelligent and erudite person, is well aware of this fact. It is unlikely that he seriously expects the authorities to rush to lower fuel taxes after his speech. But he does not deny himself the pleasure of making another deliberately impracticable populist appeal.