Rosneft blames independent stations for fuel price rise

MOSCOW, Oct 31 (PRIME) -- Provocation by independent fuel stations, whose operations should be checked, is behind the recent price rise, state-owned Rosneft said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We can see a provocative campaign now, initiated by several independent fuel stations, which is aimed at escalation of the social and economic situation in the regions with the goal of receiving additional privileges and getting more income for their beneficiaries often living outside Russia,” the company said.

“A thorough analysis of the economic state and activities of the independent fuel stations is necessary.”

The government should agree on price stabilization measures with independent fuel stations as well, it said.

Rosneft is fulfilling the terms of the agreement made with the government, and its retail prices are still on the level of May 30, it said.

The company said that it suggested other measures to maintain prices to the government, including introduction of a floating excise and an obligation of oil companies to send at least 17.5% of crude to the Russian refineries.

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