Kozak acknowledged the impossibility of state regulation of gasoline prices

Existing market structure does not allow to introduce state regulation of prices on fuel, said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak in interview to TV channel "Russia 1".

"with regard to government regulation, we have already passed... And the queue for petrol, and so on, so here [to type it again] soon," said Kozak, adding that such measures would be contrary to established over 30 years, the structure of the market.

"Or we again, through this regulation will lose the network of petrol stations, which ensures the availability of motor fuel for citizens primarily, or will the deficit," — said Deputy Prime Minister.

Kozak added that the government should bring order to independent gas stations, but the act need not too stiff. In some regions up to 100% of filling stations belong to independent suppliers, and some sold low-quality fuel, he acknowledged.

"But if we're going to be very hard and quick to direct it, it can lead to collapse," — said Deputy Prime Minister.

As reported, the Russian government and the oil companies agreed to fix the wholesale price of gasoline at the level of June until at least the end of the year. Valid from November 1 to March 31, 2019 the agreement imposes "shared responsibility" for domestic oil companies and reflects informed these recommendations.