Diesel prices have surged: Gas station prices hit record highs on March 16
16 March 11:47
ANALYSIS 
As of March 16, 2026, the price of diesel fuel in Ukraine has risen significantly and, for the first time in a long while, has far exceeded the price of A-95 gasoline. On average, the difference is nearly 6 hryvnias per liter.
Current fuel prices in Ukraine
According to market monitoring data, average prices at Ukrainian gas stations as of the morning of March 16 are as follows:
- Diesel fuel (DF) — 73.80–74.91 UAH/L
- A-95 gasoline — 68.70–69.04 UAH/L
- A-95 premium gasoline — about 72.67 UAH/L
- A-92 gasoline — 66.18 UAH/L
- Autogas — 42.39 UAH/L
Thus, diesel is on average 5.87 UAH more expensive than A-95 gasoline.
Energy expert Gennady Ryabtsev commented
Impact of the war and global markets
According to Gennady Ryabtsev, one of the main factors is the escalation of the situation on global energy markets.
“Among the reasons—the main one—is the war in Iran and the related turmoil. The external factor is certainly present,” the expert noted.
At the same time, he said, domestic pricing factors play an equally important role.
Demand and Gas Station Pricing Policies
The expert emphasized that the growing demand for diesel, particularly from farmers and the military, is putting additional pressure on prices. At the same time, some gas station chains may be taking advantage of the situation to raise fuel prices.
“The second factor is the desire to profit from rising demand. Premium chains are raising prices much faster and by a greater margin than is economically justified,” explained Ryabtsev.
The Role of the State and Regulatory Authorities
According to the expert, the state is currently not taking an active stance to curb price increases in the fuel market.
“Instead of somehow curbing traders’ appetites, the government is, on the contrary, taking money from the budget to support those appetites. In other words, the government has effectively acknowledged the legitimacy of the price increases. No one is conducting any research or investigations into this market. Everyone is satisfied with the explanations provided by the premium chains. Everyone is fine with this,” he noted.
The expert also drew attention to the position of the Antimonopoly Committee.
“The Antimonopoly Committee also stated that there are no problems. In other words, everyone was satisfied with the explanations provided by the premium chains,” Ryabtsev added.
Who will be hit hardest by expensive diesel
According to the expert, farmers will feel the greatest negative impact from the rise in diesel prices.
“The only ones who will face problems are farmers who have already begun spring fieldwork and are now facing prices that are more than a quarter higher than in January,” he explained.
At the same time, ordinary motorists are currently just watching the situation and waiting for further changes in the market.
Does the seasonal factor play a role?
Separately, the expert commented on the role of seasonal demand in price formation.
“The seasonal factor is used by premium chains to raise prices more than is economically justified. Yes, this factor is definitely being used,” concluded Gennady Ryabtsev.
What to expect next
Experts note that the situation on the fuel market will depend on global oil prices, the security situation, supply logistics, and government policy.
If current trends persist, prices may remain high in the future.
