Volgograd fuel prices soar; economist explains reasons
Fuel prices continue to soar rapidly in Volgograd: Lukoil and Rosneft have raised prices at their gas stations compared to the previous period. Moreover, in the regional ranking of fuel affordability, Volgograd Oblast landed in the bottom thirty, falling behind even Arkhangelsk.
Amid this unpleasant news for drivers, we spoke with an economist to find out if we can hope for stability at gas stations in 2026.
The fuel affordability statistics for Russian regions were prepared by the agency «RIA Rating».
What are the current prices?
On Tuesday morning, February 3, fuel prices changed at Lukoil gas stations: A-92 and A-95 increased by 25 kopecks, and A-100 rose by 30 kopecks. Only diesel fuel remained unchanged.
Fuel prices at Lukoil gas stations:
A-92 — 63.62 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-95 — 70.75 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-100 — 93.24 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
diesel fuel — 75.73 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates).
Prices also changed at Rosneft gas stations: all types of automotive fuel increased by 30 kopecks. Diesel fuel remained unchanged, as at Lukoil.
Fuel prices at Rosneft gas stations:
A-92 — 63 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-95 — 68.85 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-95 «Pulsar» — 71.4 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
diesel fuel (winter) — 74.3 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates).
Only prices at Gazprom gas stations remained unchanged: after a significant increase on January 26, the tariffs have not changed.
Fuel prices at Gazprom gas stations:
A-92 — 61.2 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-95 — 68.2 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
A-100 — 87.6 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates);
diesel fuel — 73.8 rubles (approx. $1 at current rates).
«It»s easier to replenish the budget this way«: economist»s opinion
Out of 85 positions in the fuel affordability ranking, our region came in 61st place: as of December 2025, over the past year, the increase in fuel cost (relative to A-92) was 10.1%. Relative to the net average salary, according to RIA Rating, a Volgograd resident can buy 952 liters of fuel if they spend all their money.
We asked Igor Belskikh, Doctor of Economic Sciences and author of the Telegram channel «Your Pocket & Market Trends», about why fuel is constantly getting more expensive in Volgograd.
— The fuel market heavily depends on the individual indicators of each region. Roughly speaking, on the presence of oil refineries, supply issues, and so on. Volgograd Oblast is universal in this regard: we have a large oil refinery, many fuel operators and retailers. But due to geopolitical problems, we are currently suffering somewhat. However, I wouldn«t say that everything is bad.
Igor Belskikh refrained from making any forecasts for 2026: there are too many factors that could affect the cost of gasoline. However, the professor clarified that the fuel market is one of the tools for effectively replenishing the budget.
— This is also influenced by the specifics of industry taxation. And taxes are easiest to collect from transparent markets. The fuel market is precisely such a market, which is why it experiences a strong tendency for price increases.
