‘Our company’s pricing policy is normally determined by the market, namely, things like increases in oil and mineral oil prices that stimulate the export of these products from Russia and affect the home market opportunities; seasonal variations in demand (in the summer, oil consumption goes up by 15% on average, with demand for high-octane gasoline rising by 25%) is another influential factor. Given that Russian oil production output remains the same despite the increased seasonal demand, some shortage is usually felt and domestic wholesale markets start selling oil at higher prices,’ the spokesperson for LUKOIL-Permnefteprodukt Ltd. said to UrBC.

‘One should also take into account inflation rates, electricity, heating, natural gas, and other housing bills, and railroad and pipeline maintenance expenses. These account for a large part of costs related to oil sales. At the moment, however, the company’s economic performance allows for keeping retail prices in Sverdlovsk Region at the current level,’ the spokesperson said.