Russia’s competition regulator has enlisted major online marketplaces and classified advertising platforms in an effort to curb speculative fuel trading as authorities confront rising gasoline prices and supply disruptions across parts of the country.
According to The Moscow Times, citing Russia’s Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS), the agency is working with digital commerce platforms to prevent the resale of fuel at inflated prices. The move forms part of a broader regulatory response to fuel-market strains that officials have linked to disruptions in domestic oil infrastructure.
The Moscow Times reported that classified advertising platform Avito has temporarily removed fuel-sale listings while revising its policies governing such advertisements. Major e-commerce marketplaces Ozon and Wildberries have also prohibited gasoline sales through their platforms, according to the publication.
The latest measures come as Russian authorities intensify scrutiny of fuel pricing and distribution practices. FAS said it has directed regional offices to strengthen monitoring of fuel sales, particularly in the agricultural sector, and to increase inspections of fuel depots, storage facilities and retail filling stations, The Moscow Times reported.
The regulator’s intervention highlights growing concerns about market behavior during a period of constrained fuel availability. Competition authorities often monitor resale activity during supply disruptions because shortages can create opportunities for hoarding, price inflation and other practices that may distort market conditions.
Recent weeks have seen fuel-rationing measures introduced in multiple Russian regions and in Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine, according to The Moscow Times. The restrictions have emerged during the summer travel season and a critical period for agricultural activity, increasing pressure on fuel supplies.
Price increases have also drawn the attention of regulators. The Moscow Times reported that average gasoline prices in Russia have risen 6.6% since the beginning of the year, reaching a national average of 69.11 rubles per liter as of June 15.
Related: Russian Antitrust Watchdog Seeks Fuel Pricing Data From Moscow Gas Station Chains
FAS has already launched several competition-related investigations tied to the fuel market. According to reporting by The Moscow Times, the agency last week opened inquiries into two Moscow-area gasoline station operators over potential price gouging and separately began examining three major fuel traders for alleged cartel conduct that may have influenced fuel prices. The companies were asked to provide pricing data and economic justifications for recent increases.
Separate Reuters reporting said the regulator sought explanations from fuel retailer Neftmagistral after a sharp increase in gasoline prices at some of its stations following disruptions linked to attacks on energy infrastructure. Reuters reported that Russian authorities have become increasingly focused on fuel pricing as supply pressures have intensified in several regions.
The fuel-market tensions have coincided with repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil facilities. According to The Moscow Times, Russia’s Energy Ministry recently established an industry task force involving major energy companies to support stable fuel supplies. The ministry also acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure have contributed to difficulties in the domestic fuel market.
Reuters has reported that fuel restrictions have been introduced by some major suppliers and that disruptions at refining facilities have affected fuel availability in parts of Russia.
The antitrust agency has not indicated how long the enhanced monitoring measures will remain in place. FAS investigations into alleged price gouging and potential cartel activity remain ongoing, while online platforms continue implementing restrictions designed to prevent speculative fuel resale activity, according to The Moscow Times.
Source: The Moscow Times
