Makhachkala residents and gas station owners reported fuel shortages and rising prices.

In Makhachkala, the price of gasoline has risen to 120 rubles at some gas stations. Meanwhile, limits on fuel sales per customer have been introduced, and drivers are facing long lines, according to city residents. Gas station owners explained that they are forced to purchase fuel from resellers at inflated prices due to shipping issues at the refineries.

According to the "Caucasian Knot" newspaper, at the end of May, Makhachkala residents complained that a significant number of gas stations in the city were closed, forcing them to wait in line. Analysts attributed the suspension of service to ongoing efforts to improve gas station safety. Some gas stations have announced restrictions on fuel sales. Gasoline shortages have raised the issue of trolleybus service between Makhachkala and Kaspiysk.

Makhachkala residents reported continued increases in fuel prices

The price of AI-95 gasoline in Makhachkala is 99 rubles, AI-92 – 93 rubles, and gas – 35 rubles, said local resident Zaur. "To fill up for that much money, you have to find a working station and wait in line," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Gasoline is getting more expensive every day, noted another Makhachkala resident, Arsen. "Today I spent about an hour trying to find a working station. 92-octane gasoline costs 100 rubles there, while a couple of days ago it was 85 rubles. They only sell 20 liters per customer. Tomorrow I'll leave the car at home; driving is unprofitable; I'll have to use public transportation," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Some Makhachkala residents noted that they are forced to economize on fuel. "What horrific prices! AI-100 is 130 rubles per liter, AI-95 is 120 rubles, AI-92 is from 100 to 110 rubles. In neighboring regions, the price is much lower. I don't fill up anymore, I don't go anywhere, I'll see what happens next," local resident Magomedrasul told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The fuel shortage in Makhachkala is due to problems with its procurement, said the owner of one of Makhachkala's gas stations.

"Even according to the signed contracts, gasoline is not being shipped, I believe that because of the factories <…> there is a shortage there. We have to buy from resellers at an inflated price. We sell 25 liters of gasoline per car, so that "There was enough for everyone," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent on condition of anonymity.

An employee of another gas station in Makhachkala, Murad, also reported that the fuel shortage is due to procurement issues. He explained to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the price of fuel is significantly affected by the cost of its delivery by rail. Dagestan is the most remote southern region of the country, so the price is higher than in other regions, Murad noted.

The survey is not representative and reflects only the personal opinions of respondents.

Authorities reported interruptions in fuel supplies

On June 21, the Union of Entrepreneurs of Dagestan noted on its Telegram channel that it had previously warned the authorities about the risk of fuel shortages due to the mass closure of gas stations due to litigation. The Union of Entrepreneurs proposed organizing public oversight of reputable gas stations if they are allowed to reopen.

"This will help avoid fuel shortages, curb price increases, reduce social tension, and ensure the smooth operation of transportation, utilities, and healthcare facilities," the statement said.

The Dagestan Ministry of Energy reported today on a meeting on the fuel supply situation and retail prices at gas stations. According to the ministry, there are 739 gas stations in the republic, almost all of which are owned by private entrepreneurs. At the same time, there are no producers of gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, and lubricants in the republic.

"All fuel is purchased on the exchange and delivered by rail and road. Currently, we are seeing rising retail prices and supply disruptions. The key problem is that manufacturers are not shipping previously paid fuel, which has led to supply disruptions," the ministry explained on its Telegram channel.

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