It is expected that fuel prices will increase in Ukraine by the end of November, according to forecast estimates from fuel expert Dmytro Lioushkin. Diesel may rise by 2–3 hryvnias per liter, while gasoline will increase by 1–2 hryvnias. The reasons are the fuel shortage in Europe following new sanctions against Russia. This is reported by UNIAN.
Why gasoline prices are rising
According to the expert, Ukraine is already feeling a resource shortage, especially of diesel.
«I foresee an increase of 2 or even 3 hryvnias for diesel and 1–2 hryvnias for gasoline. Even with the wild margins, traders will not stop», — explained Lioushkin.
Other factors are also influencing the prices: incidents at oil refineries in Europe, where MOL and «Lukoil» operate, as well as the seasonal decline in demand. Import restrictions through Constanta have worsened the situation — diesel imports from Romania sharply fell at the beginning of October.
What could change the gasoline situation in Ukraine
Lioushkin emphasizes: if Ukraine lifts the import restrictions through Constanta, the market will stabilize, and the excessive markup on diesel of 1.5 UAH/liter will disappear. However, even in the case of temporary alignment, prices will rise again from January 1 — new excise taxes on gasoline and diesel will come into effect.
The expert hopes that by mid-December, the market will stabilize, but much depends on government decisions regarding imports.