"The potential increase in retail gasoline prices against the backdrop of rising VAT and excise taxes on gasoline can be offset by the actions of the government, which plans to apply a negative excise tax for refineries through lowering customs duties," he said.
According to the expert, the state has instruments for smoothing price fluctuations.
"In addition, the share of taxes in the form of excises and VAT in the price of a liter of gasoline averages about 40%, while market and regulatory factors account for about 60% of the cost of the final product. This shows that excises and VAT are not a decisive factor in pricing, "Bezuglov added.
He noted that the situation can also mitigate the decline in oil quotes by the end of 2018 amid disagreements in the OPEC + deal and the potential increase in production by the countries of the cartel.
"Under these conditions, a further rise in the price of gasoline is unlikely," he concluded.
August 27, Deputy Prime Minister in the Russian government said that the increase in excise taxes on fuel will not lead to a jump in prices for gas stations.
In the Kremlin, commenting on a possible increase in gasoline prices, stressed that the government is able to prevent the growth of fuel prices.