Shchukin's promise to solve the problem with gasoline prices has caused skepticism among residents of Dagestan.

Acting head of Dagestan Fyodor Shchukin promised to address the problem of rapidly rising gasoline prices, including by involving the antimonopoly service. Residents of the republic, commenting on his words on social media, questioned why officials allowed fuel prices to rise. They called on Shchukin to back up his words with results.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on June 23, residents of Makhachkala reported that the price of gasoline at some gas stations had risen to 120 rubles. Meanwhile, limits on fuel sales per customer have been introduced, and drivers are facing long lines. Gas station owners explained that they are forced to purchase fuel from resellers at inflated prices due to problems with shipments from factories.

Acting Head of Dagestan Fyodor Shchukin chaired a meeting of the republic's Council for Interethnic and Interfaith Relations. During the meeting, Shchukin promised to prevent further increases in fuel prices in Dagestan. A video of Shchukin making this promise was published on June 23 by the Instagram* public page golos.dagestana.

"We immediately saw prices for all types of fuel skyrocket. But there are clearly established procedures for state oversight, including through the Federal Antimonopoly Service. I have given all instructions to the government, and the corresponding work aimed at preventing unscrupulous fuel sellers from inflating prices in violation of the law is underway and will continue," Shchukin said in the video.

This post on the Instagram* public page golos.dagestana, which has approximately 1.1 million followers, had garnered 1,660 likes and 234 comments as of 9:10 a.m. Moscow time on June 24. Some of their authors reacted skeptically.

"You've long since allowed [prices to rise], otherwise the price of gasoline wouldn't be 120 rubles per liter," wrote sergey_fatahov.

"If you don't allow it, how come gas costs 38 rubles and gasoline 130?" – _albina___alieva_ asked.

"But why have they already allowed this to happen? If everything is under control, those who raised prices should have been punished by now, and this chaos shouldn't have happened," noted ____muhammad_ibn_ibrahim.

"We are the government. We, we, and we again. And the same music, and the same words. Probably, nothing will change in our multinational republic, and throughout the country," stated ashab_001_ams.

"It's already reached 130 rubles per liter at some gas stations. There's no point in talking. Soon we'll see 200 rubles per liter," he believes rra383838.

"So far, nothing has been done, and from now on, it'll just be talk," said user 2173lev. "They're just telling fairy tales again," said _abdul.05__garmonist.

Some users demanded concrete results. "So why is fuel so expensive then? When will we move from words to action?" asked t.f.idayatovna.

"The words are very appropriate, now we wait for action," wrote 703gabib703. "When will we move from words to real action?" – asked abu_ibragim05.

Other commentators demanded that the Antimonopoly Service be strengthened. "Does this republic even have an Antimonopoly Service?" asked frosya_hanum.

"Control prices, your Antimonopoly Service doesn't even exist in Dagestan," pointed out abas_555_.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that 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 linked the suspension of service to ongoing efforts to improve gas station safety. Some gas stations announced fuel sales restrictions.

On June 18, Makhachkala drivers reported that they were not experiencing a fuel shortage, but were forced to stand in line for it due to the closure of some gas stations. On June 19, Makhachkala residents noted that gasoline prices in the city continued to rise, while attempts to stock up on fuel for future use were unsuccessful, as gas station employees announced restrictions on sales.

* Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.