As of August 22, 2026, the situation in Ukraine's fuel market remains stable. Most major gas station networks are maintaining price lists at previous levels, and there are no signs of a systemic fuel shortage. However, experts remain cautious and recommend that certain categories of drivers—primarily residents of frontline regions—keep a reserve of fuel in jerrycans in case of local disruptions.

Stability Amidst War: What is Happening in the Market

As explained in a comment to RBC-Ukraine by the founder and CEO of Prime Group, Dmytro Leushkin, in regions of Ukraine where there are no active hostilities, there is currently no threat of a fuel shortage: the supply situation is balanced. Logistics chains are operating normally, and stocks at warehouses and with operators are sufficient to meet current demand without sharp price spikes. This is why prices at most stations are fixed at the level of the previous week.

Prices and Bonuses: How the Market Balanced Out

One of the factors of stability was the actual leveling of prices by key players—Ukranafte and other networks. The difference in price lists has become less noticeable, and consumer loyalty is increasingly formed not by nominal price, but by bonus programs. According to a market expert, the price at Ukranafte may be 89.90 UAH, while at OKKO it is 93.90 UAH; however, at the latter, 4 UAH are returned as bonuses, resulting in the actual cost of refueling being almost identical. It is this mechanism that smooths out price differences between networks.

Who Should Keep a Reserve in Jerrycans

Despite the overall balance, drivers in frontline areas are advised to have a fuel reserve in jerrycans. In such zones, there is a real risk of temporary disruptions in logistics and supplies due to the security situation: shelling, route rerouting, and movement restrictions can temporarily hinder fuel delivery to individual stations. For citizens living and working in these regions, a small fuel reserve becomes a reasonable insurance policy.

Contradictory Data

There is a duality in expert assessments. On the one hand, industry representatives emphasize that no fuel shortage is expected, the market is balanced, and there are no mass supply problems—this is the optimistic version confirmed by stable network price lists. On the other hand, the same specialists give cautious recommendations to keep a reserve in jerrycans for residents of frontline zones, which effectively acknowledges the existence of local disruption risks. Thus, the general picture of a 'stable market' coexists with a call for individual caution in certain regions, and both positions should be taken into account when planning trips.

Driver Behavior and Prospects

The behavior of Ukrainian drivers has not changed significantly: there is no mass frenzy, queues, or reorientation exclusively to the cheapest networks. Consumers are acting calmly, relying on familiar stations and bonus programs. Given the current logistics situation and the absence of escalation in frontline areas, the market, according to analysts, is capable of maintaining stable prices in the coming weeks, and recommendations for fuel reserves will remain targeted—specifically for a limited circle of regions.