Petroleum goods prices raised

As of 21 July the retail prices for petroleum products have been raised. Prices have increased by 3%. The “Belneftekhim” reported that “the revision of prices for petroleum goods is linked to gradual price adjustment within the Customs Union”.

At the same time “Belneftekhim” noted that “the current retail prices (subject to increase) remain below the level of prices in the Russian Federation by 2-8%.”

“the current retail prices (subject to increase) remain below the level of prices in the Russian Federation by 2-8%.”

Comment

While maneuvering between social (price) stability, and improvement of the financial state of the largest exporters, the authorities have chosen the latter.

The promise of the President of 8 June regarding unchanged petroleum prices in the coming quarter lasted just over a month.

Indirectly it confirms the sill critical state of the Belarusian economy. Moreover, increasing petrol prices by a symbolic amount the authorities make an attempt to test the loyalty of the public reaction (drivers are one of the most active part of the population). By hard-suppressing and preventing any kind of protests (an action “Stop: petrol” took place on the day the petroleum prices were increased) the authorities are preparing the population for future increases in prices and tariffs, which will affect the wealth of the average Belarusian to a greater extent than the increase of petrol price by 3%.