Gasoline Prices Suddenly Drop in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai Ahead of Possible Putin Visit
Fuel prices at filling stations in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai fell by more than 20 rubles on the evening of August 2. Independent media link the drop to a possible visit by Vladimir Putin, though no official confirmation has been given.
On the evening of August 2, fuel prices at several gas stations in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai dropped sharply, local outlet NGS24 reported. The cuts, exceeding 20 rubles, affected the regional chain Krasnoyarsknefteprodukt.
A photo published by the outlet showed AI-92 gasoline priced at 63 rubles, AI-95 at 67 rubles, and AI-98 at 96 rubles. At the time, 2GIS maps still listed the previous prices of 87, 91, and 121 rubles, respectively. Diesel prices apparently remained unchanged.
Users in the Telegram chat "Benzin riadom | Krasnoyarsk | Gde benz?" said fuel also became cheaper at stations operated by Gazprom Neft, Rosneft, and Lukoil, and that queues at gas pumps had noticeably shortened. The regional government attributed the price drop to a fresh delivery of fuel.
Independent outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe linked the price change to a possible visit by Vladimir Putin to Krasnoyarsk, citing traffic restrictions on some city streets as a sign. The visit has not been officially confirmed.
Russia has been dealing with a fuel crisis for more than two months, driven by increasingly frequent Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries. Gasoline prices have risen, long lines have formed at filling stations, and authorities in nearly every region have imposed restrictions on fuel sales.
According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, price drops linked to Putin's trips have happened before. In late July, for example, Putin visited Irkutsk, and local gas stations cut gasoline prices by 11–12 rubles that same day.
