AMCU investigates sharp rise in fuel prices: what is happening on the gas station market
4 March 22:41
Prices for gasoline, diesel, and autogas have risen sharply in Ukraine, prompting the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) to launch an investigation into the fuel market. The regulator is investigating whether the actions of gas station operators violate economic competition laws, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.
Why the AMCU launched an investigation into the fuel market
In early March 2026, gas station chains recorded a noticeable increase in fuel prices.
According to market data:
- gasoline rose in price by about 2 UAH per liter
- the average price exceeded 65 UAH/liter
- diesel fuel rose to about 65.02 UAH/liter
- liquefied gas rose to 39.05 UAH/liter.
After the sharp increase in fuel prices, the AMCU decided to check the validity of such an increase.
What data is the Antimonopoly Committee requesting?
On March 4, 2026, the regulator sent requests to the main participants in the fuel market.
In its documents, the AMCU requests the following:
- information on price formation
- data on the purchase cost of fuel
- logistics costs
- other factors that could have influenced price increases.
Companies have been given the shortest possible time to respond. After receiving the information, the committee will analyze it and decide whether there are grounds for opening a case.
If violations of competition law are found, the regulator may impose fines or other sanctions.
Why fuel is becoming more expensive
The AMCU emphasizes that prices for light petroleum products in Ukraine are not regulated by the state.
This means that their cost is determined by the market and largely depends on:
- world prices for oil and petroleum products
- exchange rates
- logistics costs
- the situation on European markets.
The Ukrainian fuel market is almost entirely dependent on imports, so price fluctuations in Europe are quickly reflected in the cost of gasoline and diesel in Ukraine.
According to experts, the increase in fuel prices is observed not only in Ukraine but also in many European countries.
Why are prices rising?
Ukraine is largely dependent on imports of petroleum products, so domestic prices react quickly to global factors.
, director of the A-95 consulting group, noted that the current price surge is fueled not by a shortage, but by panic over news of war in Iran and possible supply disruptions.
Danylo Getmantsev, head of the parliament’s finance committee, called on market participants not to exploit panic to make excessive profits.
