Russian fuel shortage drives more than 150 filling stations onto the market
More than 150 filling stations have been advertised for sale across Russia over the past month as private operators struggle with scarce fuel and unprofitable wholesale prices. The government has approved price-stabilization measures, while a diesel export ban is helping redirect supplies to domestic regions.
Operators put filling stations up for sale
More than 150 advertisements for the sale of filling stations have appeared on company websites and online marketplaces across Russia over the past month, Rambler Finance reported, citing Izvestia. Both independent owners and large networks are offering assets as a fuel shortage undermines the economics of retail operations.
Stations are being marketed in the Bryansk, Vladimir, Ivanovo, Novosibirsk, Ryazan, Samara and Tambov regions. Asking prices range from 1 million to 150 million rubles, depending on location, equipment, operating history and whether a franchise is attached. Some sellers say the business has become unprofitable and may use the proceeds to repay debt or leave the filling-station market entirely.
Private retailers face wholesale pressure
Market participants told Izvestia that almost 100% of Russia’s privately owned filling stations are experiencing difficulties. Independent sites account for 60% of all filling stations in the country. Operators say fuel is not currently available at acceptable wholesale prices, leaving some businesses with a choice between selling their assets and suspending operations.
Not every listing reflects the current shortage. Gazprom GNP said advertisements on its website had first been posted four years ago and had yet to attract buyers. Nevertheless, industry experts cited in the report said acquisitions by federal networks could become widespread if conditions fail to improve over the next six months, particularly for stations in attractive locations. Previous fuel crises have also forced owners to sell at a loss for several months before later recovering their costs.
Government moves to restore domestic supply
The Russian government approved measures on 16 July intended to stabilize prices in the fuels and lubricants market. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on 10 July that refineries required repairs following strikes by Ukrainian drones. He acknowledged shortages, queues and unstable filling-station operations, but said the market was gradually being replenished after the authorities prohibited diesel exports. The government plans to deliver the required volumes to regions so agricultural producers can complete harvesting work.
Izvestia reported that queues had shortened significantly in the Bryansk, Kaliningrad, Novgorod, Oryol and Smolensk regions, as well as Kalmykia, Komi, Primorye and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. Shortages have been almost resolved in Moscow and the Moscow region, although queues still form during peak periods. Conditions remain difficult in southern Russia. RBC has also reported that the summer crisis affected Crimean winemakers, with Crimea and Sevastopol among the most strained markets. Continued pressure there could raise operating risks for agricultural and processing businesses that depend on reliable fuel deliveries.