Imports of gasoline to Ukraine decreased threefold

In July, imports of motor gasoline to Ukraine decreased threefold compared to the previous month, reaching 49.6 thousand tons.

This decline in purchases of high-octane fuel was expected, as in June a significant share of gasoline sold was provided by stocks created earlier.

Since July 1, fuel traders have faced new challenges, such as VAT and excise tax increases, which will lead to a gradual increase in gasoline prices at wholesale and at the pump. To slow down the price increase, the chains imported more gasoline than was needed on the market.

Large chains such as BRSM and Privat Group stopped purchasing imported gasoline, while others reduced their purchases by several times. For example, in July, OKKO, WOG, and Ukrpaletsystem imported 25.2 thousand tons of gasoline, compared to 119.2 thousand tons in June.

In July, the structure of the origin of the product imported by Ukrainian companies changed. No Greek gasoline was imported, while supplies of Romanian gasoline increased by 7% to 10.5 thousand tons. Supplies from Lithuania halved to 12.2 thousand tons. The largest volumes in the import structure were gasoline with a certificate of origin EUR1 - 17.1 thousand tons.

In August, gasoline imports are expected to resume growth, as many companies are expected to run out of product by the middle of the month. Further changes in fuel prices are due to rising oil prices and the end of stocks of cheap fuel that traders purchased before the VAT increase. Despite this, fuel consumption remains high due to the harvest, which also affects the gasoline market.