Panic at petrol stations across Ukraine: drivers queue up en masse due to fear of fuel price hike
In the morning, there is a massive influx of cars to petrol stations in different regions of Ukraine. Drivers are lining up in long queues, fearing another increase in fuel prices.
According to eyewitnesses, queues of dozens of cars formed at some petrol stations. The biggest rush is in large cities and near transport routes.
The reason is the expectation of rising prices
The excitement is attributed to experts' statements about a possible sharp rise in fuel prices amid global energy instability and fluctuations in world oil prices.
The day before, there were predictions that under a negative scenario, petrol prices could rise to UAH 100 per litre. Although there has been no official decision to raise tariffs, the psychological factor has already affected consumer behaviour.
Is there a risk of shortages
Market operators say that fuel stocks are sufficient and logistics are working steadily. There are no signs of physical shortages at the moment.
However, economists point out that panic purchases can create a temporary local deficit, even if there are no objective reasons for this.
Context.
Ukraine is dependent on fuel imports, so global turmoil - including escalation in the Middle East - directly affects the domestic market.
Analysts say that the situation at petrol stations is now not so much a result of a real shortage of fuel as of information tension and expectations of further price increases.
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