Fuel prices in Russia stabilized in small-scale wholesale, retail sectors and for farmers - govt

MOSCOW. Oct 30 (Interfax) - Fuel prices have stabilized at Russian filling stations, in the small-scale wholesale sector and in supplies to farmers, participants in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on the domestic oil products market concluded, the government said in a statement.

Prices in the small-scale wholesale sector continue to drop in line with prices on the exchange, the statement said.

Novak instructed oil companies to increase production of winter diesel fuel to meet domestic demand. The price differential between the filling stations of major oil companies and independent filling stations is supposed to be stabilized at the market level.

"Prices for diesel fuel at the pump average about 63 rubles per liter across the country. But some filling stations are holding prices significantly higher because they sell only branded diesel fuel with the prefix 'ecto' or 'euro.' This should not happen. Consumers must be given a choice - to buy basic fuel at lower prices or expensive branded fuel," Novak was quoted as saying in the statement.