Russia's Energy Ministry reports on implementing recommendations to boost fuel supplies to domestic market; raising imports, optimizing schedule to repair refineries

MOSCOW. Aug 21 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has held a meeting on Russia's domestic fuel market, during which the participants discussed implementing a set of measures to saturate the market, maintain fair prices and improve the transparency of fuel sales in both wholesale and retail, the government press service said.

The situation in the Republic of Tyva, the Chuvash and Udmurt republics, and the Belgorod Region were also discussed.

"The Energy Ministry reported on oil companies' implementing recommendations to boost the supply of auto gasoline and diesel fuel to the domestic market, including by increasing imports and introducing K2, K3, and K4 emission class fuels. The need for an even distribution of available fuel resources between and within regions was emphasized. Optimizing scheduled maintenance at refineries to minimize the risk of supply shortages has been set," according to the statement.

The participants discussed the process to sell fuel at environmental classes of K2, K3, and K4, as well as quality control, pricing, and labeling for the fuel. As noted, the fuel class information must be displayed on the fuel dispenser information board, in the customer area, and on the cash register receipt.

Participants of the meeting also said that monitoring the fuel market continues jointly with the Agriculture Ministry regarding deliveries to agricultural producers and with Russia's Far East Development Ministry as part of the northern delivery program.

Novak said that systematic efforts must continue in order to saturate the domestic market with fuel, ensure fair distribution of available resources within the country, as well as ensure reasonable prices for end consumers.