The founder of the "Prime" logistics group of companies, Dmytro Lyushkin, spoke about the current state of the fuel market at Ukrainian gas stations. He predicts that in connection with economic difficulties and the adoption of the law on increasing the excise tax, the quality of fuel may deteriorate, and there will also be problems with its sale.
According to Lyushkin, Ukrainian gas stations are going through difficult times. Ukraine's economy is experiencing a significant downturn, which leads to a decrease in demand for fuel. The decrease in the number of freight transport on the roads, the emigration of the population, especially men who avoid mobilization and women who have left for Europe, create additional challenges for business. The lack of customers forces gas stations to look for ways to survive, including potentially illegal methods.
One of the possible reactions to economic difficulties is the deterioration of fuel quality. Lyushkin warns that some gas stations may switch to selling so-called "bodyaga" - low-quality fuel. This may be the result of an attempt to reduce costs and avoid price increases that would scare away the last customers.
Another possible reaction is tax evasion. Lyushkin predicts that gas station chains may reduce the use of cash registers or resort to tax manipulation. This may include falsifying statements and other illegal actions to reduce tax liabilities.
On July 18, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a draft law on increasing the excise tax on fuel, which will enter into force on September 1, 2024. Excise tax rates will gradually increase until 2028, when they will reach the level set in the European Union. This increase in excise taxes, according to Lyushkin, will lead to an increase in the prices of gasoline, diesel and gas.
Lyushkin noted that the increase in fuel prices will take place in two stages. Already in September 2024, the price of gasoline will increase by UAH 1.5 per liter, diesel by UAH 2, and gas by UAH 5. This increase will be gradual, since at the beginning of September there will still be fuel purchased at the old prices at the gas stations.
