Demand for fuel for cars in Ukraine may increase by 10–20% in the event of large-scale power outages. This was stated by Yuriy Kuchabskyi, Vice President of OKKO for procurement and wholesale sales, writes open4business.
According to Kuchabskyi, the companies already have sufficient experience of working in crisis situations.
«If there is a blackout — we are trained. We estimate that fuel sales may jump from 10 to 20%. The market will handle this very easily», — he noted during the forum “Energy that Holds Ukraine,” organized by RBK-Ukraine in Kyiv.
The expert explained that the Ukrainian fuel market is currently flexible and competitive, thus able to quickly adapt to any challenges. The readiness for fluctuations in demand is ensured by several factors:
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the absence of monopolization in the industry;
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experience from past crises — from the full-scale invasion to the loss of supplies from Russia;
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adaptation to energy attacks and destruction of oil processing infrastructure.
Kuchabskyi recalled that in the summer, when Russia struck the Kremenchug Oil Refinery, the market withstood the blow without a shortage. The number of fuel importers sharply increased by about 50 companies, which allowed to cover all needs.
«The Kremenchug plant left the market on the same day, but there was no shortage — the market was replenished. So there will be no catastrophe now», — emphasized the representative of OKKO.
He also added that suppliers have learned to work without large oil depots to avoid creating additional targets for the enemy. This allows for flexible logistics management even during missile attacks and blackouts.
Earlier, we wrote that the National Bank of Ukraine analyzed the fuel market and made price forecasts until the end of 2025. It predicts gradual price increases for gasoline, diesel, and autogas without sharp jumps.