--- title: "Collusion or Market: AMCU Investigates Causes of Record Fuel Prices in Ukraine" description: "🛢️ AMCU is investigating possible collusion among gas station networks after a price spike in March 2026. 📉 Operators assure that prices are formed independently. 🔥 In July, prices rose again due to the situation in the Middle East. 💸 A-95 gasoline costs from 79.90 to 85.40 UAH/l. The regulator cannot directly change prices but monitors competition. #Ukraine #GasStations #Fuel #AMCU" date: 2026-08-06T09:22:01.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/amcu-investigates-collusion-gas-stations-fuel-prices-ukraine tags: [ukraine-economy, fuel-prices, amku, gas-stations, market-regulation] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Collusion or Market: AMCU Investigates Causes of Record Fuel Prices in Ukraine ![Collage with oil barrels, a gas station, and a rising price graph, illustrating the AMCU investigation into record fuel prices in Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/06/amku-rassleduet-sgovor-azs-ceny-na-toplivo/amku-rassleduet-sgovor-azs-ceny-na-toplivo-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - AMCU is investigating possible anti-competitive actions by gas station networks following the March price spike. - Market operators deny collusion, asserting independent pricing. - A new wave of price hikes in July is linked to tensions in the Middle East. - Fuel prices remain record-high despite temporary stabilization in early August. The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) is continuing its active investigation into the situation in the fuel market. The regulator's main focus is on possible anti-competitive coordinated actions between the largest gas station networks. The inspection was initiated after a sharp spike in gasoline and diesel prices recorded in March 2026. ## Collusion Investigation and Market Reaction According to data obtained by RBC-Ukraine during a request to the AMCU, the official start of the case was given on March 9. The regulator opened proceedings on the grounds of possible anti-competitive actions by gas station operators. At the moment, a final decision on the case has not yet been made, but the monitoring process continues. On April 23, the AMCU published recommendations for market participants. In the document, the regulator urged networks to form and change retail prices exclusively based on objective economic factors, strictly complying with legislation on the protection of economic competition. In response to the recommendations, fuel market operators informed the Committee that they had taken the remarks into account. Representatives of the networks stated that pricing is carried out by them independently and in accordance with current market conditions. ## New Wave of Price Hikes and the Role of Geopolitics Despite the assurances of operators, the situation in the market remains tense. At the end of July, the AMCU held a separate meeting with representatives of the largest gas station networks. The reason for the dialogue was a new wave of fuel price increases. The parties discussed the reasons for the price increase, which experts and market participants link to the escalation of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The meeting also considered measures to minimize the consequences of the fuel crisis for the economy of Ukraine. ## Current Situation: Prices and Stabilization After a rapid rise in prices at the end of July, the situation temporarily stabilized. As of August 6, the largest gas station networks did not change retail price tags compared to the previous day. However, the cost of fuel remains at historically high levels. According to RBC-Ukraine infographics, the price spread for A-95 gasoline among the largest networks ranges from 79.90 UAH/l to 85.40 UAH/l. Diesel fuel is offered at a price from 89.90 UAH/l to 95.90 UAH/l (premium grades reach 98.90 UAH/l). Autogas is sold in the range from 42.90 UAH/l to 44.50 UAH/l. ## Regulator's Position: Free Pricing In response to a media request, the AMCU clearly outlined its legal position. The Committee noted that prices for oil products in Ukraine are not subject to state regulation. Under conditions of free pricing, the cost of fuel is formed by the balance of supply and demand. Consequently, the AMCU does not carry out administrative regulation of prices. Nevertheless, the regulator emphasized that it continues to receive appeals from citizens about the sharp increase in fuel prices and constantly analyzes the state of competition. In the event of violations of the law are detected, the AMCU promises to take measures in accordance with the law. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [АМКУ требует от АЗС не накручивать цены на топливо, ориентироваться на ситуацию на рынке - Українські Національні Новини (УНН)](https://unn.ua) - [Скачок цен на АЗС. В АМКУ рассказали, был ли сговор на рынке топлива - NV Бизнес](https://biz.nv.ua) - [Цены на бензин и дизель должны быть еще выше: глава АМКУ объяснил, что происходит на АЗС - УНИАН](https://www.unian.net) - [Скачок цен на АЗС: в АМКУ сделали важное заявление - РБК-Україна](https://www.rbc.ua) ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: Why can't the AMCU simply ban price increases? **A:** In Ukraine, prices for oil products are not subject to state regulation. They are formed based on market supply and demand, so the AMCU cannot administratively change price tags, but it monitors compliance with antitrust legislation. ### Q: Is the price increase in July related to the war? **A:** According to AMCU data, the new wave of price hikes in July was linked to the escalation of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, which affected global oil prices. ### Q: Is there evidence of collusion among gas station networks? **A:** At the moment, a final decision on the case opened on March 9 has not yet been made. The AMCU continues to investigate possible anti-competitive actions.