[monday]

"There is no reason for consumption going up when prices stay frozen."

If gasoline is cheaper in Russia than it is in nations surrounding Russia, it will be only a matter of hours before people begin buying gasoline in Russia and reselling it elsewhere. Of course demand will go up in Russia.

Artificial pricing has never worked. It always causes unintended consequences. You would think that with Russia's extensive history with price controls and the subsequent shortages and misery that caused, they would know better than anyone what happens when artificial prices are imposed. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[A. Pole]

If gasoline is cheaper in Russia than it is in nations surrounding Russia, it will be only a matter of hours before people begin buying gasoline in Russia and reselling it elsewhere. Of course demand will go up in Russia.

On small scale, especially in the border areas. Still Russia provides oil/gasoline at significantly lower prices to Ukraine, Georgia and other "democratized" states. But when the price is raised a little Russia is being condemned.

[K. Smirnov]

"If gasoline is cheaper in Russia than it is in nations surrounding Russia, it will be only a matter of hours before people begin buying gasoline in Russia and reselling it elsewhere."

Already happening on the border with Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. Have heard it on the radio yesterday.

Can't forget what I saw on the border of Republic of Iraland and Northern Ireland in 2001. It was some 30 miles west from Derry. British side - petrol station empty. Irish side - loooong queues.