Novak says situation good on markets for AI-92, diesel; decision on exports for Aug to be reached at end of July

GROZNY. July 15 (Interfax) - The situation is good on the markets for AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel, respectively, and a decision on possibly extending the permit on exports of gasoline for August will be reached at the end of July, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists.

"We held an executive staff meeting last week. In principle, if the situation is tense, then we will not extend the export permit in August. It [the permit] has currently been extended only until the end of July. We will monitor the situation closely. The situation is currently stable. We have a very stable, good situation with AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel. The situation with 95 has become somewhat tense, though we are resolving the issues," Novak said.

The Federal Anti-monopoly Service recently supported not extending the permit on exports of gasoline for August.

"We will consider this, naturally, taking into account the current situation," Novak said.

Novak also suggested not speculating about a possible permit on exports for September. "We will reach a decision for August at the end of July," the deputy prime minister said.

The practically continuous growth in prices for gasoline has been ongoing since the beginning of June. The most sensitive dynamics are for AI-95, whose exchange value has already exceeded 70,000 rubles per tonne. Market participants attribute the trend to concerns regarding a supply shortage in the conditions of open export that are applied during the period for summer vacations.