Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has launched administrative proceedings against six independent fuel retailers in the Moscow region, accusing them of simultaneously raising retail prices for petrol and diesel in violation of competition law. The companies — AIST, Toplivny Sindikat, Serpukhovnefteproduktservis, Vitaoil, Elegant and one individual entrepreneur — face allegations of a cartel agreement under Article 11 of the law on protection of competition. In parallel, the Orenburg regional branch of FAS opened a case against three wholesale diesel traders for colluding to inflate bulk prices, while the Saratov office ordered the Alkorr company, which operates the Toreko chain and holds a dominant market position in the Engelssky district, to reverse price increases on AI-92 and AI-95 petrol by 31 July.

According to FAS statements, the simultaneous price movements across unaffiliated operators indicate a coordinated effort to set economically unjustified tariffs, potentially harming consumer interests. The agency has been intensifying nationwide monitoring, with checks conducted at more than 12,000 filling stations, and has previously fined major oil firms such as LUKOIL-Uralnefteprodukt for similar infractions. Vice-Premier Alexander Novak, speaking after a government meeting on fuel markets, acknowledged a “gap” in pricing at independent stations and instructed the Energy Ministry and oil companies to devise stabilisation measures, particularly for regions lacking large integrated oil firms.

The enforcement push unfolds against a backdrop of mounting fuel shortages that Russian officials attribute to a campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries and fuel depots. Government data show retail petrol prices have climbed 11.6 percent since January, reaching an average of 72.38 roubles per litre by late June. In several regions, authorities have introduced rationing, and some stations have suspended sales entirely. President Vladimir Putin has publicly recognised a “certain shortage” of fuel, with total petrol reserves down 4 percent compared with the same period last year. The Kremlin has also signalled, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, that Moscow is prepared to import fuel if acceptable terms can be negotiated with foreign suppliers.

Viewed from Western capitals, the FAS actions illustrate how the Russian state is using its regulatory apparatus to manage the domestic political fallout from a supply disruption caused by the war. The antimonopoly service’s systematic approach — targeting independent retailers and wholesalers while the government simultaneously explores imports — suggests an effort to contain public discontent over rising costs without acknowledging the full impact of the strikes. The Saratov operator must comply by the end of July, and FAS investigations in Moscow and Orenburg are expected to proceed with possible fines or corrective orders. Novak’s directive to the Energy Ministry to develop concrete stabilisation proposals keeps the dossier active, with further regulatory steps likely in the coming weeks.