Rising wholesale gasoline prices not a threat to prices at pump, no problem with supplies - Novak

KALININGRAD. Jan 26 (Interfax) - The supply of gasoline on the Russian market is stable, despite the shutdown of a unit at Lukoil's NORSI oil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod, and prices at filling stations are not rising, despite the growth of gasoline prices on the wholesale market, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.

"The situation is absolutely stable in terms of gasoline supply, even despite the situation that occurred at Lukoil's Nizhny Novgorod refinery," Novak told reporters when asked if gasoline exports might be banned.

Recalling that he held a meeting with oil companies last week, Novak said "our production volumes are significantly higher than last year, they fully cover requirements, and we have accumulated large inventories."

"Other companies are prepared to ensure sales of additional volumes on the domestic market, including on the exchange. Therefore, I don't see any problems that would destabilize the situation. We will continue to monitor, continue to work with companies," Novak added.

Exchange prices for AI-92 and A-95 gasoline were up by, respectively, 20% and 16.5% from the start of the year as of January 25.

"It's not a big deal that prices have rebounded somewhat from a low level on the exchange, on the wholesale market, because they were at a very low level. The main thing is that prices at filling stations are holding, staying at the current level, not increasing. The main thing for consumers is prices at filling stations," Novak said.