Page 108 - bneIntelliNews monthly country report Russia May 2024

increase gasoline production by 10%, but this will require desperate measures, for which times have not yet come desperate enough. The government instructed the FAS to check the validity of the increase in prices for toluene and other components for high-octane gasoline, writes Kommersant. Toluene can be added to fuel to increase octane number and improve combustion quality. But the more toluene and similar aromatic hydrocarbons in gasoline, the lower its environmental class. Russia consumes almost all of the toluene produced (310 thousand tonnes out of 320 thousand tonnes in 2023): it is not only a fuel additive, but also a raw material for organic synthesis and an industrial solvent. The price problem arose because motor gasoline and toluene compete for capacity—both are made from straight-run gasoline, which has become scarce due to attacks and breakdowns. Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian drone attacks have knocked out a sixth of gasoline and diesel fuel production. According to estimates by Novaya Gazeta Europe, installations damaged by drones produced 16% of the fuel. In March, according to Rosstat, gasoline production has already decreased by 14%.
The range of Ukraine’s new long range kamikaze drone the E-300 “Enterprise” that can fly over 3100km into Russia carrying a 300kg warhead It’s range can reach ~6.1mn km2 and strike 77 of Russia’s 99 largest air bases, including most military factories and oil refineries
108 RUSSIA Country Report May 2024 www.intellinews.com