In early 2026, Ukrainian drivers faced a record increase in autogas prices. In just a few weeks, the cost of this type of fuel increased by more than 3.5 hryvnias per liter and approached the psychological mark of 40 UAH/liter. As of January 9, the average price of autogas at gas stations reached 37.95 UAH per liter, which was the second highest figure in at least the last 14 years.
In large networks, the cost of liquefied gas has already practically approached 40 hryvnias. In particular, WOG and OKKO sell autogas at 39.98–39.99 hryvnias per liter, SOCAR — at 39.41 hryvnias, and KLO — at 39.4 hryvnias. Some discounters offer cheaper fuel: for example, at BRSM-Nafta, autogas costs 35.83 hryvnias per liter, at Ukrnafta — 38.44 hryvnias.
Experts say the main reason for such a sharp increase in price is the new excise taxes that came into effect on January 1, 2026. For autogas, the rate increased from 173 to 198 euros per 1,000 liters, for gasoline — from 271.7 to 300.8 euros, for diesel fuel — from 215.7 to 253.8 euros. According to the calculations of Oleksandr Sirenko, an analyst at NaftoRynok, this means an increase in the price of autogas by approximately UAH 1.5 per liter, gasoline — by UAH 1.8, and diesel — by UAH 2.2.
However, as experts explain, autogas reacted to excise taxes faster and more sharply than other types of fuel. The reason is the specifics of the market. Liquefied gas is practically not accumulated in stocks and is sold "off the shelf", so the new taxes are immediately included in the wholesale price and quickly reach gas stations. In contrast, gasoline and diesel were partially sold from stocks purchased at the old rates.
At the same time, experts assure that there is no shortage of autogas in Ukraine. Even the attacks on the bridge in the Odessa region, through which a significant part of fuel imports pass, did not cause disruptions. According to market participants, importers have long switched to long-term contracts and alternative routes, which allows avoiding supply disruptions.
Amid the sharp rise in prices, the state is not actually intervening in the situation. Experts point to the passivity of the Antimonopoly Committee and the lack of systematic work with the market by the relevant ministries.
Regarding further prospects, assessments vary. Volodymyr Omelchenko, Director of Energy Programs at the Razumkov Center, believes that autogas has already reached a new price level and there will be no further sharp jump unless the hryvnia collapses. He predicts fluctuations within plus or minus 5% of the current price. At the same time, Oleksandr Sirenko admits that wholesale prices may still add about UAH 1.5 per liter, but at the same time does not rule out a decrease - based on the results of recent auctions, where prices were lower than a week ago.
As a result, whether the mark of 40 UAH per liter will be broken in the near future will depend primarily on the exchange rate and the situation on the wholesale fuel market.
