Residents of North Ossetia reported that queues at gas stations remain after the price drop at private gas stations.

Residents of Vladikavkaz and Mozdok reported that fuel prices at some gas stations of private networks in North Ossetia have slightly decreased, however, the shortage of gasoline and queues at federal gas stations persist. According to drivers, the rise in fuel costs forces them to save on other items in the family budget.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", Sergey Menyaylo stated that in North Ossetia, fuel prices are twice as low as in Kabardino-Balkaria. Residents of North Ossetia, commenting on his words on social media, pointed out that real prices at gas stations are significantly higher. They also complained about queues at gas stations and the lack of gasoline in the evening.

Residents of North Ossetia note a slight decrease in prices at gas stations in North Ossetia while queues and fuel shortages persist.

A resident of Vladikavkaz, Ibrahim, told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" that the price of gasoline at private network gas stations remains significantly higher than at federal network gas stations. "Today I filled up with 95 gasoline at the 'Gazprom' gas station for 70 rubles per liter. At a private gas station, AI-95 cost 95 rubles today," he said.

According to the interlocutor, queues at federal gas stations in Vladikavkaz persist. "The queues haven't gone anywhere because gasoline can mainly be filled from 6 AM to 2 PM. People try to fill up during this time," Ibrahim explained.

He also noted that the rise in fuel costs is already forcing him to reconsider his daily expenses.

A resident of Mozdok, Islam, who is engaged in private transportation, told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" that the price of fuel at private gas stations in North Ossetia remains significantly higher than at federal gas stations. "At private gas stations 'Olympus', 92 gasoline costs 120 rubles per liter, 95 costs 140 rubles. There is another private gas station where 92 is sold for 110 rubles. There is always gasoline there," he said.

According to the interlocutor, queues at federal network gas stations in Mozdok persist. "In Mozdok, there is a 'Gazprom' gas station. A few days ago, I stood there for three hours — I arrived at 6:30 AM and only filled up around nine," Islam noted.

He mentioned that the rise in fuel costs has directly affected his family budget. "I constantly have to spend an extra thousand to one and a half rubles to refill the tank whenever possible. This money would be better spent on food for the family," said the resident of Mozdok.

A resident of Vladikavkaz, Alihan, told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" that, according to his observations, queues at federal gas stations persist. "They are even growing. This morning I went to fill up — I think I will have to wait about 20-30 minutes. There is gasoline at network gas stations, but you have to wait," said the resident of Vladikavkaz.

At the same time, he noted that some private network gas stations preferred to stop selling fuel altogether. "There is a gas station where gasoline used to always be available, although it was expensive. Now there is no fuel," Alihan reported.

He noted that the rise in fuel prices has not yet affected his family budget. "Personally, it hasn't affected me yet, but I can't speak for others," said the interlocutor.

Russian legislation does not empower regional authorities to set fixed prices for fuel at private gas stations even in conditions of high demand, noted lawyer Miki Arapiev from the Moscow Bar Association in a conversation with a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

"Retail prices are formed by the market participants themselves. However, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has the right to check the economic justification for their increase, request data on purchase costs and profitability, and if signs of abuse of a dominant position, price collusion, or economically unjustified increases are found, initiate cases of violations of antimonopoly legislation," Arapiev explained.

Earlier, the authorities of North Ossetia reported that the republic has enough fuel reserves to fully meet the demand for it. Local residents, commenting on this report from the authorities on social media, demanded that instead of demonstrating figures, they ensure the availability of gasoline at gas stations. They also complained about the increase in fuel prices.

Recall that on July 15, residents of North Ossetia reported that they continue to face a shortage of gasoline at large network gas stations. Some drivers spend several hours in queues to fill up at federal network gas stations, while others prefer to buy more expensive fuel at private gas stations, where there are almost no queues.

The price of gasoline at commercial gas stations is in some cases almost twice as high, noted motorists. In their opinion, the introduction of a system for refueling on even and odd days could reduce queues.