The Ukrainian fuel market in winter of 2026 endured a sharp increase in demand, ensuring additional volumes without shortages. In January, sales in certain regions increased by up to 40% compared to last year. This is stated by the director of the Consulting Group A-95, Serhii Kuyun.
According to the State Tax Service, the market had to quickly increase supplies by about a quarter, and in some regions by almost 40%.
Fuel market in Ukraine: regional growth indicators
The largest growth was recorded in Kyiv region - +37%. In Sumy, Poltava, and Cherkasy regions, sales growth ranged from 34% to 36%. In Dnipropetrovsk region, sales increased by 26%, and in Lviv region - by 16%. The lowest increase was in Zakarpattia, where it amounted to 9%.
According to the expert, difficulties arose with both diesel fuel and gasoline. December diesel reserves partially helped, however, severe frosts created problems due to supplies from southern refineries.
Diesel and gasoline import: how the market overcame the shortage
To compensate for the shortage, imports through the western border were increased, notably from Poland. Despite logistical difficulties, total diesel imports increased by 43% over the year.
The situation with gasoline turned out to be more complicated: demand in January soared by 30% compared to 2025, while reserves at the end of the year were not accumulating. Some batches had to be purchased in new countries, including Spain.
The expert also notes that during the first one and a half months of the year, gas stations operated with reduced margins. Additional costs arose due to the use of generators during power supply disruptions.
Despite logistical challenges and weather conditions, the market ensured a stability of supplies and avoided a large-scale shortage.
It should be noted that at the end of last week, there was a sharp increase in wholesale and retail prices for light petroleum products in Ukraine.