In Ukraine, the price of gasoline, diesel fuel, and autogas continues to rise. The price increase is attributed not only to the increase in excise taxes starting January 1, 2026, and fluctuations in exchange rates but also to other factors affecting the market. This is reported by Focus.ua.
According to energy expert, Deputy Director of the NTС 'Psychea' Hennadiy Ryabtsev, the adjustment of excise tax rates is an obligation of Ukraine as part of the Association Agreement with the EU. This, along with the devaluation of the hryvnia against the dollar and euro, forms a basic increase in fuel prices of 1–2 hryvnias per liter.
Fuel prices in Ukraine are rising: objective reasons
Factors that economically justify the increase in price include:
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Increase in excise taxes on petroleum products;
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Weakening of the hryvnia against major currencies;
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Slight increase in the price of imported fuel at the border.
Since almost all petroleum products are purchased in euros, and excise taxes are also paid in this currency, fluctuations in the exchange rate directly affect the prices at gas stations.
Fuel prices and the role of unregulated competition
At the same time, Hennadiy Ryabtsev notes that real retail prices often exceed the economically justified level. He attributes this to unregulated competition and signs of cartel agreements among large market operators, who simultaneously raise fuel prices.
As of January 28, the average prices across Ukraine are:
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A-95+ — 64.36 UAH/l;
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A-95 — 59.40 UAH/l;
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A-92 — 57.99 UAH/l;
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Diesel fuel — 58.90 UAH/l;
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Autogas — 38.58 UAH/l.
The expert also points to the weak response of regulatory authorities, particularly the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, which, according to him, allows large players to maintain inflated prices on this vital commodity, from which consumers cannot abstain.
It is worth noting that there has been a significant rise in fuel prices amid increased demand during blackouts.