Networks of Ukrainian gas stations have introduced restrictions on the sale of diesel fuel, setting a limit of 50-100 liters per customer. This was reported on July 31 by the Ukrainian publication Delo.ua.
"Restrictions are already being introduced by several gas station operators, and this list seems likely to expand. Limits range from 50 to 100 liters per refueling. Such restrictions are more often introduced at stations located on highways, where fuel is bought by truck drivers and long-haulers, who now refuel directly at gas stations rather than at oil depots," the publication said.
In addition, according to the publication, one of the factors was the reduction in the price gap between wholesale and retail fuel markets, so now buying fuel at gas stations is more profitable than before.
It is specified that restrictions are introduced primarily to prevent the rapid depletion of fuel reserves at gas stations, since logistics chains do not always allow for their prompt replenishment.
It is also noted that Ukraine still faces a fuel shortage, and wholesale prices at oil depots remain high.
Sergey Kuyun, director of the leading Ukrainian consulting group A-95, which researches the fuel market, said on July 28 that Ukraine faced a gasoline shortage after the introduction of the European standard E10, and there is also a shortage of diesel due to disrupted foreign supplies. Due to the fuel crisis, prices at gas stations will continue to rise. As part of the transition of the Ukrainian fuel market to European standards, a new fuel standard E10 was introduced for all gas stations in Ukraine, which provides for the addition of up to 10% bioethanol to gasoline.