MOSCOW, November 8 – RIA Novosti, Alexey Zakharov. Fuel costs are one of the main cost items for drivers. Many of them are trying to save money and are even willing to specifically look for gas stations with cheap gasoline. About how gasoline prices depend on the region, and whether it is worth choosing a gas station based only on the price of a liter of fuel - in the RIA Novosti material.
To the neighbors for gas station
Gasoline prices in different regions differ, and significantly. The gap between the lowest price (35.87 rubles per liter of AI-95 in the Ivanovo region) and the highest (56 rubles per liter in Chukotka) is indeed impressive (for more details, see the infographic “Where is the most expensive and cheapest gasoline in Russia” ).
Why so expensive? - residents of regions that find themselves among the price leaders may ask.
The high price of gasoline in Chukotka is due to the peculiarities of northern delivery.
“The price fluctuates greatly from batch to batch,” said Dmitry Makhonin, head of the regulatory department for the fuel and energy complex of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia, “and sometimes there are a lot of intermediaries, which affects the cost.”
The remoteness factor also works in Kamchatka: fuel comes here from factories in Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Trains go to Nakhodka, where the products are loaded onto ships, and then go to the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky port, and then by fuel tankers throughout the region, Makhonin explained.
Whether it is worth driving to a neighboring region if he is among the lucky ones with cheap gasoline is up to each driver to decide. It all depends on the distance that will have to be covered in pursuit of cheapness.
Pricing factors
The distance required to transport fuel is one of the key, but not the only and not the main factor influencing the final price of gasoline.
Experts from the Russian Fuel Union emphasize that the pricing structure in different regions of Russia looks similar (For more details, see the infographic “What is included in the cost of a liter of gasoline”).
The proximity of an oil refinery (or refinery) will help reduce the retail price, and its remoteness will, on the contrary, increase it. For example, at gas stations in Moscow, fuel is supplied from the Moscow and Ryazan oil refineries. And if one of them stops for repairs, then other factories are connected, for example, in Tatarstan, says automotive expert and director of Strana radio Igor Morzharetto.
In large cities, the cost of servicing gas stations is higher due to the cost of renting land and other costs.
The cost of a liter of gasoline can also be influenced by the policies of regional authorities. For example, in the Kemerovo region, fuel prices are noticeably lower than in neighboring regions, even despite logistics costs, precisely due to the policies of the regional authorities, Makhonin clarified.
In addition, prices depend on the purchasing power of the local population and the size of the regional vehicle fleet, noted RTS Executive Director Grigory Sergienko.
The price of fuel also depends on the marketing policies of companies. RIA Novosti could not obtain comments from the companies at the time of publication of the material.
“The FAS, as a rule, does not interfere in this policy,” Makhonin said. For example, Gazprom Neft believes that prices for motor fuel in different regions should be based on the actual demand for the product. While LUKoil relies on the depth of oil refining and high quality fuel, the company’s prices are traditionally higher,” said Makhonin.
However, even in the same city there may be different prices at gas stations of the same company. At gas stations on main routes, fuel can be more expensive than, for example, in residential areas, says Makhonin.
Don't chase the cheap
However, as calculated by the Moscow Fuel Association (MTA), only 29% of motorists are guided by the cost of fuel when choosing a gas station. More than 35% of them fill up with fuel at gas stations that have been tested through personal experience. And they do it right.
Experts point out that some independent companies, in order to lower the price, sell straight-run gasoline with added additives at gas stations, which can lead to engine failure.
The facts of the sale of surrogate fuel at a number of independent gas stations to RIA Novosti were also confirmed by Dmitry Makhonin from the FAS. And due to the low prices at independent gas stations, owners of large chains are also forced to adjust their sales policies.
“You need to go around cheap gas stations. Gasoline may cost 1-1.5 rubles less than the regional average. But if, for example, it is 5 rubles cheaper, then you need to turn around and leave. Most likely, it will be straight-run gasoline, which can lead to car breakdown,” automobile expert Igor Morzharetto told RIA Novosti.
The situation with low-quality gasoline is similar to the problem of burnt vodka. “They catch it. They close it, but some continue to spill it, while others continue to drink it,” the expert explained.
05.06.2018 17:32
Moscow, June 5 – “Vesti.Ekonomika”. Gasoline prices are rising around the world. As Bloomberg analysts note, the average increase in gasoline prices is 6.1% over the past three months.
The agency's analysts studied gasoline prices in 61 countries around the world and compiled a ranking of countries, noting the countries with the highest gasoline prices.
Below we will tell you in more detail about the 10 countries with the most expensive gasoline.
1. Hong Kong
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $2.08
Experts note that Hong Kong residents pay almost twice as much for gasoline as their neighbors on mainland China.
However, Hong Kong ranks 24th in terms of affordability: the average daily income is $132.47, so it takes only 1.57% of daily earnings to buy a liter of gasoline.
On average, a driver uses 113.77 liters of gasoline per year, which costs only 0.49% of the average salary. According to this parameter, Hong Kong ranks 2nd in the world.
Thus, experts come to the conclusion that, despite high gasoline prices, Hong Kong residents do not feel much discomfort about this, which is primarily due to high incomes.
2. Norway
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $2.07
This may seem strange for a country whose economy is based on oil exports.
However, the country uses its oil reserves to finance services such as free education or improved infrastructure.
In terms of affordability, Norway ranks 11th in the world: since the average daily income is $229.25, only 0.90% of income is spent on buying a liter of gasoline.
On average, a driver uses 210.58 liters of gasoline per year, spending 0.52% of the average salary on this. According to this parameter, the country ranks 5th in the world.
3. Netherlands
B]Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.98
As with Norway, the Netherlands has a fairly high percentage of electric vehicles. It is noted that the share of electric vehicles began to decline after subsidies began to be reduced in 2016.
In addition, the Netherlands has a very high fuel tax, as well as the highest percentage of bicycles per capita.
The country has created and continues to develop infrastructure that allows for the use of bicycles and reduces the use of cars.
The country ranks 20th in the world in terms of gasoline availability: with an average daily income of $150.97, 1.31% of income is spent on purchasing a liter of gasoline.
On average, a driver spends 310.64 liters of gasoline per year, which costs 1.11% of the average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 22nd in the world.
4. Greece
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.95
Experts note that Greece has finally begun to emerge from the economic problems that have plagued it for almost a decade.
To pay off debts, Greece raised fuel taxes, which are now among the highest in Europe.
The country ranks 44th in terms of gasoline availability: the average daily income is $57.84, and 3.37% of daily income is spent on purchasing a liter of gasoline.
On average, a driver spends 305.76 liters of gasoline per year, which takes away 2.82% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 57th in the world.
5. Italy
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.93
At the same time, the decline in oil prices, which was observed not so long ago, did little to help Italian car owners, since the country has very high taxes on fuel.
The country ranks 31st in terms of gasoline availability: the average daily income is $98.25, and 1.96% of daily income is spent on purchasing a liter of gasoline.
On average, a driver uses 174.07 liters of gasoline per year, which takes away 0.94% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 16th in the world.
6. Denmark
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.91
Despite the fact that gasoline prices here are quite high, the high level of income allows residents of the country not to feel discomfort about this.
Bicycle transport and all the necessary infrastructure are being developed here.
Denmark ranks 14th in the world in terms of gasoline availability: the average daily income is $174.95, and 1.09% of daily income is spent on buying a liter of gasoline.
On average, a Danish driver uses 299.27 liters of petrol per year, which costs him 0.89% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 15th in the world.
7. Israel
The country ranks 26th in terms of the availability of gasoline: the average daily income is $114.34, and 1.62% of daily income is spent on purchasing a liter of gasoline.
During the year, a driver spends on average 452.85 liters of gasoline, which takes away 2.01% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 51st in the world.
8. Portugal
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.86
Portugal has a fairly high fuel tax. However, unlike Greece, it is aimed at improving and preserving the environmental situation in the country, which is necessary for preserving the cork oak, which is a unique tree and the bark of which is a valuable commodity.
In terms of gasoline availability, Portugal ranks 39th in the world: with an average daily income of $66.30, buying a liter of gasoline costs 2.80%.
On average, a driver spends 140.73 liters of gasoline per year, which takes away 1.08% of the average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 21st in the world.
9. France
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.85
The French can afford the high cost of gasoline, but they are increasingly switching to electric cars.
French automakers Peugeot and Renault compete in the electric car market. France has one of the densest networks of charging stations for electric cars.
In terms of gasoline availability, France ranks 23rd in the world: with an average daily income of $122.93, buying a liter of gasoline costs 1.50%.
On average, a driver spends 137.5 liters of gasoline per year, which costs him 0.57% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 7th in the world.
10. Sweden
Cost of a liter of gasoline: $1.82
Sweden also has high taxes on any energy source.
The country has a population of almost 10 million people, and there are very high taxes on fuel. In addition, Sweden has a very high share of electric cars.
The country ranks 16th in terms of the availability of gasoline: with an average daily income of $152.11, it takes 1.20% of this amount to purchase a liter of gasoline.
On average, a Swedish driver spends 365.08 liters of gasoline per year, which costs him 1.20% of his average salary. According to this parameter, the country ranks 28th in the world.
It’s sad but true: regardless of whether black gold becomes cheaper or rises in price, gasoline in Russia is only becoming more expensive. Let our country enter top 10 countries in the world with the cheapest gasoline, this is unlikely to please domestic motorists, whose salaries are not rising as quickly as prices at fuel stations.
According to Bloomberg research, gasoline prices are lowest in Venezuela. The agency’s specialists, who compiled the ranking of the lowest gasoline prices, took into account the cost of a liter of AI-95 gasoline in the third quarter of 2016 in 61 countries. And it turned out that in little Venezuela a liter of gasoline costs $0.01. Such low fuel prices in the country are maintained due to government subsidies and there is often a shortage of gasoline at local gas stations.
The most expensive gasoline in Hong Kong is $1.87 per liter. Fuel is sold slightly cheaper in Norway and Holland.
Saudi Arabia is in second place on the list of countries with the cheapest gasoline in the world, with $0.24 per liter of “liquid food” for the iron horse. Iran is in third place, where a liter of motor fuel costs $0.34. Below, readers can familiarize themselves with the ten countries where gasoline is the cheapest in the world. Prices are indicated in dollars per liter of gasoline.
Top 10 countries with the cheapest gasoline in the world
| № | A country | Gasoline cost $/liter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venezuela | 0,01 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 0,24 |
| 3 | Iran | 0,34 |
| 4 | Kuwait | 0,35 |
| 5 | Malaysia | 0,41 |
| 6 | UAE | 0,45 |
| 7 | Nigeria | 0,46 |
| 8 | Russia | 0,59 |
| 9 | Indonesia | 0,59 |
| 10 | Pakistan | 0,61 |
What is the situation with the availability of gasoline for the population? The situation in Russia is even sadder. It is in 33rd place, ahead of such countries as Ireland (10th place), Luxembourg (3rd place), USA (2nd place) and Venezuela (1st place). To buy a liter of gasoline, an ordinary Russian is forced to shell out 2.31% of his daily income. The quality of gasoline also leaves much to be desired, showing that only large chains sell high-quality gasoline.
Countries with the most affordable gasoline
| Top | A country | Average daily income ($) | % of daily income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venezuela | 2,61 | 0,23 |
| 2 | USA | 156,54 | 0,42 |
| 3 | Luxembourg | 291,45 | 0,43 |
| 4 | UAE | 103,95 | 0,43 |
| 5 | Saudi Arabia | 54,42 | 0,44 |
| 6 | Kuwait | 71,95 | 0,48 |
| 7 | Australia | 143,91 | 0,65 |
| 8 | Switzerland | 219,24 | 0,66 |
| 9 | Canada | 115,07 | 0,79 |
| 10 | Ireland | 181,43 | 0,80 |
Another interesting parameter that the authors of the study took into account is also interesting. This is the share of gasoline expenses in the composition of citizens' spending. And here the Russians have nothing to rejoice at. According to this parameter, the Russian Federation ranks 52 out of 61 possible. The average driver in our country purchases 333.1 liters of gasoline every year, and 2.11% of his salary was spent on this. But the budget of Venezuelans practically does not suffer from the purchase of gasoline. They spend only 0.29% of their salary to buy 454.53 liters of fuel per year. The second place is occupied by the countries of the East - China and Hong Kong (0.43% and 0.46%, respectively). Residents of Mexico (3.38%, respectively), Greece (2.87%, respectively) and Canada (2.67%, respectively) pay the largest share of their wages for gasoline.
Gasoline is a colorless flammable liquid consisting of a mixture of light hydrocarbons. It is obtained as a result of oil refining. The term was first used by the German chemist Mitscherlich in 1833, with the help of which he designated a derivative of benzenoid acid. Today, gasoline is considered one of the main types of fuel for automobile engines and is sold at special gas stations all over the world.
Oil producing countries
Oil production in the fall of last year exceeded all previous indicators.
Sometimes many oil companies do not have time to process the amount of oil that is extracted from the bowels of the earth. The situation has led to many trying to export crude oil. The solution to the situation is quite urgent, because it is necessary to determine whether exports are being maintained or whether the emphasis is on domestic markets? The second option entails fierce competition, the search for new niches through which it will be possible to get real and permanent profits. To these difficulties should be added the fall in demand for refined petroleum products, increased prices for supplies and services, and outdated technologies that require increased costs. But this does not prevent some countries from selling the cheapest gasoline in the world.
Where is it cheaper?
This is what the five countries look like where gasoline fuel is quite cheap:
- Venezuela: 2 rub.
- Saudi Arabia: 5 rub.
- Kuwait: 12 rub.
- Egypt: 15 rub.
- UAE: 28 rub.
Briefly about the leaders
Venezuela is considered a country where socialism won. Residents like their existing system, which gives them free housing and pensions equivalent to two hundred dollars.
In comparison, gasoline in this country costs much less than water.
The list of countries continues with Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the largest oil producing countries. The oil industry accounts for more than eighty percent of the total state budget and more than ninety percent of exports. It turns out that oil represents the main wealth of the country.
There is another rich state in the Persian Gulf - Kuwait. But he also had to raise gasoline prices in the fall, bringing it to today’s cost.
However, the government, in order not to cause discontent among the people, established a free quota of seventy-five liters per driver for local residents. The oil reserves in the country are such that you can live without denying yourself anything. Per capita oil income is so large that the state uses this profit to provide benefits for newlyweds, pay salaries for teachers and doctors, issue loans, and pay for education abroad with scholarships for students.
And Egypt had to adjust the price of gasoline, which resulted in higher prices for products. The crisis has caused serious damage to the country's economy. And the change in fuel prices was caused by the need to close holes in the state budget.
The UAE consists of seven emirates, each of which represents an independent state. The fall in oil prices has also affected fuel prices in this country - gasoline has become cheaper relative to drinking water. This is due to the fact that there is an oversupply of raw materials on the market. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that Western sanctions were lifted from Iran.
Oil embargo
Its withdrawal for export of American oil reserves may somewhat displace the position of Russian and Middle Eastern “black gold”.
The need for this was caused by the fact that a large number of American enterprises operate only on cheap types of oil, the density of which is quite high. It is imported from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. The process of refining its light oil is flooding the market.
Regional conflicts
Lower oil prices around the world could create relative calm. As experts note, with the cost of a barrel of oil more than seventy-seven dollars, countries that have their own production begin to conflict with each other more actively, since they do not really need international support. The only way to reduce their belligerence is to reduce the cost of purchasing oil.
The same product may have different prices in different countries of the world. This difference is sometimes quite noticeable. The price is influenced by profitability and costs associated with production, which is individual for each country. Competition makes it possible to equalize prices among producers, but this fact does not apply to gasoline, prices for which vary greatly in different countries.
Long gone are the days when a car signified wealth and was a luxury item. Today, every third person has their own car. The factories produce cars for any buyer and offer both budget models and premium products.
It is not difficult for a working person to purchase a car; you can save the required amount of money or take out a loan, but maintenance will require significant costs. Just look at fuel costs - in the Russian Federation this figure is close to a dollar per liter. It's quite expensive. What is the situation in the world?
Gasoline prices in other countries
Annual monitoring of the pricing policies of various countries regarding A-95 fuel shows that this criterion varies significantly in different parts of the world.
Let's look at a few examples in dollars:
- in Venezuela about 0.016;
- Turkmenistan approximately 0.023;
- in Iran, fuel costs only 8 cents;
- UAE approximately 41 cents;
- in Azerbaijan 48 cents;
- Kazakhstan - 0.6 dollars;
- in America it is 0.75;
- Tajikistan – 0.83;
- they pay a little more in Uzbekistan – 0.86;
- Argentina – 0.94;
- in Belarus approximately 0.95;
- Thailand is at the same level, about 0.96;
- Russia and Armenia 0.97 each;
- a little more expensive in China - 0.98;
- Canada – exactly a dollar;
- in Australia and Chile a cent higher;
- South Africa and India are 1.07 and 1.12 respectively;
- Kenya at 1.14;
- in Singapore 1.27;
- This figure is slightly higher in Ukraine - 1.3;
- The Japanese have to pay 1.42;
- Kenya – 1.46;
- In Brazil, its value reaches exactly one and a half;
- In Italy and England - 1.7 and 1.74, respectively;
- Monaco and Germany at 1.8;
- they pay a little more in Denmark – 1.82;
- almost 2 dollars in Norway;
- in Eritrea more than 2.5.
A comparative analysis clearly demonstrates that Russia belongs to the list of countries with the highest fuel costs.
Where does the cost difference come from?
Analysts identify several reasons for pricing depending on the regional location of the country.
The most significant of them are the following:
- Availability of own sources of natural resource deposits. When a country exports minerals, such as petroleum products, which should be more affordable. This is consistent with the market in countries such as Venezuela and Japan, but the nature of Russia's pricing policy is questionable;
- Availability of own enterprises for processing oil products. There are such plants in Venezuela, Iran, Kazakhstan, where gasoline costs up to 60 cents. The Russian Federation also has its own enterprises, but this product here is more expensive than 90 cents;
- Competition policy. The presence of a large number of plants involved in oil production and refining leads to the availability of the product. However, Russia and Canada are examples of exceptions to such situations where the price remains high despite fierce competition. It follows that it is formed by the method of artificial inflation;
- State structure. Analytics experts talk about the influence of the political regime on the availability of petroleum products. It is more available in authoritarian states such as Venezuela, Libya, Iran, Turkmenistan. They import oil products, and all profits and the economy as a whole are in the hands of government authorities. Such regimes can cause indignation among residents due to the infringement of their rights, so the cheapness of products is achieved artificially;
- Internal political situation. Analysts link the high cost of fuel to the level of income of citizens. An example is Norway, where the high cost of this product is established due to the high standard of living. This dependence, again, is not suitable for Russia, since Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation and the United States have almost the same availability of fuel, and the income of citizens is completely different.
The price of this product in the CIS varies significantly. Let's compare post-Soviet states using the A-92 brand as an example:
- In Turkmenistan the figure is the lowest, only $0.02;
- a little more in Azerbaijan - about 0.46;
- Kazakhstan at 0.56;
- The Russian Federation has a tariff equal to 0.67;
- Tajikistan – 0.8;
- Uzbekistan is slightly higher, which is 0.83;
- in Belarus and Armenia 0.91 and 0.96 respectively;
- Ukrainian citizens pay almost a dollar (0.99);
- In Moldova, the petroleum product is the most expensive – 1.14.
At the same time, the government of Belarus has established a single cost of fuel at all vehicle refueling points, which is due to the state’s monopolistic policy regarding all petroleum products. Moldova is forced to sell this product to its citizens at the highest price after the conflict with Russia, when the price of oil at the world level was determined for this country.
Since there is a constant increase in tariffs in the territory of the former USSR, many citizens also prefer to use gas. It is very possible that in the future car owners will refuse to refuel their cars with A-95 gasoline due to its cost.
Despite the price of gasoline in Russia, it is still significantly lower than in England. Norway, Japan and Ukraine also sell it at their gas stations at a much higher price.
