Diesel is becoming more expensive faster than gasoline: expert explains reasons for price surge
12 March 13:11
ANALYSIS FROM 
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has caused a new wave of volatility in global energy markets. Concerns about the stability of oil supplies have pushed up prices, which has already begun to affect fuel costs in various countries, including Ukraine.
Higher oil prices traditionally lead to higher gasoline and diesel prices. However, experts note that the situation on the Ukrainian market is further complicated by internal factors.
Energy expert Gennady Ryabtsev, in an exclusive comment to "Komersant Ukrainian", notes that there is currently an unusual situation on the petroleum products market.
“The fact is that nothing is getting cheaper anywhere. Diesel is now even more expensive than gasoline,” he said.
According to the expert, the price increase is partly due to increased demand for diesel fuel. In the spring, field work traditionally begins in Ukraine, and the agricultural sector actively purchases fuel for machinery. This puts additional pressure on the market.
At the same time, Ryabtsev believes that the price increase cannot be explained solely by objective economic reasons.
“And this is the second stage of speculation, which is now linked to the growth in demand for this resource, as spring field work has begun,” he explained.
According to the expert, the absence of strict restrictions or control mechanisms for traders allows companies to quickly raise prices.
“Since there are no restrictions for traders, they felt that no measures would be taken against them… this simply opened the way for them to further raise the cost of diesel fuel,” Ryabtsev said.
As a result, he said, market prices may rise faster than the real situation with the import cost of petroleum products dictates.
“Everything will be determined by their appetites, because this chaos has no connection with the real prices of petroleum products at the border,” the expert concluded.
Experts predict that if tensions in the Middle East continue, global oil prices may continue to fluctuate. Accordingly, this will also affect the Ukrainian fuel market, where the situation will largely depend on both external factors and internal regulatory policy.
