The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) has initiated an inquiry into the recent increase in fuel prices at gas stations across the country. The committee has requested that all fuel retailers provide explanations for the price hikes within three days, aiming to determine whether there has been any collusion among businesses.
Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the AMCU, announced the investigation during a broadcast on public television. He stated that the committee has sent a comprehensive list of questions to fuel networks to gather official information regarding the reasons behind the price increases, including those for liquefied gas.
“Following this, in order to avoid premature conclusions, an assessment will be made of the reasons and justifications for the price increases in fuel products and the trends that all participants in the fuel market have followed. An evaluation of their actions will be provided in accordance with Article 6 of the Law on Protection of Economic Competition,” Kyrylenko said.
The AMCU is particularly focused on identifying any signs of collusion among gas stations and similarities in market behavior. While Kyrylenko did not disclose specific enforcement measures, he noted that the committee had previously monitored market activities prior to March 4, and that the trend of rising prices began in late January.
If the AMCU identifies violations among gas stations, the penalties for breaching competition laws could amount to up to 10% of the revenue of each business for the previous reporting period, which currently refers to the entirety of 2025.
“There are discretionary powers applied, but they are clearly regulated by normative legal acts and the law itself, specifically the article that governs the determination and imposition of fines,” Kyrylenko added.
The committee emphasized that fuel prices in Ukraine are not regulated by the government, and the market is entirely reliant on imports. Fluctuations in global prices directly affect consumer costs. The AMCU also pointed out that fuel prices are rising not only in Ukraine but across Europe.
Background
According to an analysis by RBK-Ukraine, fuel prices at Ukrainian gas stations have surged in recent days, with the average cost of A-95 gasoline ranging from 63 to 73 UAH per liter. Premium brands may reach up to 81 UAH per liter, while diesel averages between 68 and 70 UAH per liter. Liquefied gas is priced at approximately 40 to 41 UAH per liter.
Danilo Hetmantsev, head of the Financial Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, has urged fuel market representatives not to inflate prices, especially as other businesses are relying on fuel for generators due to power outages in the country. He stated that the rapid price increase attributed to conflicts in the Middle East could not have occurred so swiftly.
“The negative impact for Ukraine from the conflict in the Middle East is not solely due to rising fuel prices. These price fluctuations currently reflect more speculation and a desire to profit than actual issues with price increases or supply shortages,” Hetmantsev remarked.
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine is investigating recent fuel price increases at gas stations, seeking to determine if collusion among businesses has occurred. Retailers have been given three days to respond to the committee's inquiries.