Price rises did not lead to lower fuel consumption, filling stations

Officials of filling stations say the number of customers did not decrease even if the prices of gasoline, diesel oil and liquified petroleum gas went up from January 1, 2010, Info-Prim Neo reports. “We noticed no great difference. The drivers are dissatisfied that they have to pay more money, but they cannot do without fuel,” said the representative of a Lukoil service station. Olesea Kojushko, representative of the group of filling stations Bemol, said she cannot say whether the sales decreased or not during the first days of the new year as it is the period of winter holidays and many people are on vacation. “We are concerned that the number of customers could decline now that the oil prices are higher, but the persons who drive daily will not abandon their cars even if they have to pay by about 1 leu more for a liter of gasoline or diesel oil,” said an official of a service station Petrom Moldova. On January 1, the filling stations increased the price of gasoline and diesel oil by about 0.80 lei a liter, while of liquified petroleum gas – by 0.49 lei. A liter of gasoline A95 now costs 12.68 lei, a liter of diesel oil – 11.38 lei, while a liter of liquified petroleum gas – 6.49 lei. The rises follow the Government's decision to increase the excise duties on oil products by 50%.