Small and medium-sized businesses in the fuel industry face daily challenges such as excise tax increases, mobilization requirements and legislative changes. That is why the “Fuel and Energy Business” Association has become a platform for supporting regional networks of gas stations. In an article specifically for the dp.informator.ua resource, we shared our vision of problems and solutions: from the implementation of transparent mechanisms for booking employees to the need for a dialogue with the authorities regarding excise taxes and tax reforms.
More than 200 business associations operating in various sectors of the economy operate in Ukraine. They provide entrepreneurs with information, consultations and act as a platform for dialogue, but there are no business communities that represent the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in the fuel sector. The “Fuel and Energy Business” Association is currently the only organization focused on supporting regional networks of gas stations.
The need for support and a platform for dialogue
The year 2025 will bring new challenges for business, including adaptation to changes in legislation and market conditions. For example, the Law “On Minimum Oil Reserves” establishes additional obligations for fuel sector enterprises. However, the mechanism of its implementation needs to be refined, which creates uncertainty for many market participants.
In this context, the business community should play an important role, helping to solve the pressing issues of the industry. Entrepreneurs should have access to expert advice, up-to-date information and the opportunity to participate in a constructive dialogue with the authorities. The “Fuel and Energy Business” association noted: “We understand that the market requires not only quick adaptation, but also a systematic approach to solving problems. Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs with tools that will help them work successfully even in difficult conditions. Business integration is the key to creating an effective industry policy.”
Current issues for sector participants
The fuel market of Ukraine continues to change under the influence of legislative initiatives and economic changes. The year 2024 was marked by a number of events that had a significant impact on the industry and necessitated an immediate response. In addition to the requirement for minimum oil reserves, the issue of increasing fuel excise rates, reservation from mobilization for critical enterprises, raising the military levy to 5% and advance tax on gas station profits in the amount of 30-60 thousand UAH is no less urgent.
“Increasing excise taxes is always a compromise between economic necessity and impact on business. It is important that such decisions take into account the possibilities of enterprises that are already working on the edge of profitability and competitiveness. A transparent dialogue with the authorities will help minimize negative consequences for the industry,” says Alina Potapovych, head of the committee on legal issues and law-making of the “Fuel and Energy Business” Association.
APEB also commented on the situation with the reservation of employees: “This should be an accessible and understandable mechanism for all enterprises that are part of critically important industries. We call for simplifying this process, because without qualified personnel it is impossible to ensure stable business operation.”
The next year opens up new horizons for business, which require decisive steps. Regional networks of gas stations will have a chance not only to cope with difficulties, but also to implement advanced solutions to improve work efficiency. Innovations in the field of management, strategic partnership and active interaction with the authorities should become the main directions of development.
