In Russia, Security Forces Have Begun Searching For Gasoline Stockpiles In People's Garages And Private Homes
- 20.07.2026, 20:25
Administrative reports are filed against the owners of such stockpiles.
In the Pskov Region of the Russian Federation, amid a fuel shortage, law enforcement agencies have begun raids to identify residents who are storing gasoline in their garages and on the grounds of private homes. This was reported on July 20 by The Moscow Times on July 20, citing a statement by the region’s governor Mikhail Vedernikov.
According to him, inspections are being conducted in municipalities, garage cooperatives, and the private sector. Authorities claim that during the raids, instances of storing large quantities of gasoline in violation of fire safety regulations were uncovered.
Administrative reports are being filed against the owners of such stockpiles under Article 20.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which provides for a fine of up to 15,000 rubles (up to $191).
Vedernikov also urged residents not to store gasoline and other flammable liquids in garages and basements, stating that the fuel situation in the region is reportedly gradually stabilizing.
At the same time, the governor acknowledged that problems with AI-95 gasoline persist in most districts of the region. According to him, the most difficult situation remains in Velikie Luki and municipalities where only “Surgutneftegaz” gas stations are operating.
Earlier, restrictions on fuel sales were introduced in the region: at some gas stations, gasoline is sold on even and odd days depending on the vehicle’s license plate number, and purchase limits are also in effect.
Vedernikov stated that “Surgutneftegaz” will reallocate AI-95 gasoline supplies to the areas facing the most severe shortages, while “Lukoil” has increased the fuel purchase limit from 30 liters to 40 liters per customer.
Amid the fuel shortage, patrols at gas stations have also begun operating in other regions of Russia. Russian authorities attribute the gasoline shortage to the consequences of strikes on oil refining infrastructure. Previously, Vedernikov had spoken of “speculators.”