Gasoline is getting more expensive

The period of reduction of retail prices for gasoline has ended, writes "Independent Gazeta" . From December 4 to 10, prices for the first time in November, December rose - on average in the country by 0.1%. At the same time, the rise in price of gasoline occurs despite the fact that oil prices range in the region of $ 62–63 per barrel, which is $ 15 lower than in July, when gasoline was cheaper. Since the beginning of 2006, fuel prices have increased by an average of 11.1%, which is more than a third higher than the inflation rate.

The government was not able to fulfill its promise to limit the growth of gasoline prices by inflation, which in 2006 will not exceed 9%. Despite the assurances of the head of the Ministry of Economic Development of Herman Gref that "there are no grounds for rising prices," the oil workers, who had somewhat held prices, closer to the New Year decided that the period of the moratorium had already ended.

According to experts, there are several reasons for the December rise in price: warm weather, the traditional seasonal surge in demand and a decrease in export oil fee. In October -November, when oil in world markets fell by a quarter compared to the record July indicators, wholesale prices for gasoline decreased only by 13-14%, and retail - only 1%.

Thanks to warm and low -snow weather, motorists were able to not limit themselves on trips. In addition, in December, on the eve of the New Year holidays, the demand for gasoline is traditionally growing. In addition, according to the experts, it is also to blame for the decrease in export duties from December 1, which is why the efficiency of oil products exports abroad has increased. Increased profitability of oil sale in the foreign market has given a reason to companies to achieve adequate growth in yield and domestic market.

Most experts do not predict a sharp rise in gasoline at least until mid -February 2007. However, in the middle of the first quarter, the seasonal period of growth in consumption and, accordingly, rise in prices, will begin. The opinions of relative whether prices will grow faster than inflation, analysts vary. They are absolutely sure of one thing - there will be no price reduction.