Governor of the Pskov region Mikhail Vedernikov said that during raids on private homes and garage cooperatives, security forces identified citizens who were storing large supplies of gasoline. All violators were issued administrative protocols under Article 20.4 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses — for violating fire safety requirements. The fine for individuals under this article ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles (about $55 to $165).
Vedernikov urged residents not to store gasoline or other flammable liquids in garages and basements, and attached screenshots of social media posts in which people wrote about creating fuel reserves. The official said the fuel situation in the region is "gradually leveling out," but clarified on the morning of July 20 that in most municipalities there are "still problems" with AI-95 gasoline.
According to Vedernikov, the most tense situation has developed in areas where only Surgutneftegaz gas stations operate, as well as in the city of Velikiye Luki — where the volume of fuel supplied is insufficient. Earlier in the region, gasoline at filling stations began to be sold on even and odd days depending on the vehicle's license plate number, and most stations introduced limits on fuel sales. The governor said Surgutneftegaz will redistribute 95-octane gasoline in favor of the southern districts, while Lukoil increased its limit from 30 to 40 liters per person.
The fuel crisis in Russia has been ongoing since spring 2026. By June 30, fuel shortages, sales interruptions, or restrictions at gas stations were recorded in 88 of 89 regions controlled by Moscow, including occupied territories of Ukraine, according to a count by The Insider. One cause of the crisis has been Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries — since the beginning of 2026, refineries have been attacked at least 194 times, 11 times more often than a year earlier, the Financial Times reported. Additional pressure on the market comes from high seasonal demand and logistical problems.
The raids in the Pskov region come amid similar measures in other regions. In at least 13 Russian regions, patrols of police, National Guard troops, and vigilantes have been introduced at gas stations. In the Irkutsk region, security forces detained citizens who, according to authorities, were trying to resell gasoline at speculative prices — in late June they soared to 300 rubles (about $3.30) per liter.