Hundreds of inspections and dozens of violations: what the tax authorities found on the fuel market
6 February 19:45
In January, the tax service identified dozens of illegal fuel trading points in various regions of Ukraine. As a result of the inspections, the equipment and tanks were sealed, the fuel was removed from illegal circulation, and administrative reports were drawn up against the violators, who were also fined heavily.
This was reported by the tax service press office, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What happened
The State Tax Service reported that during January, tax officials discovered 37 locations of illegal fuel trade.
According to the agency, the fuel was sold by individuals who:
- were not registered as business entities;
- did not have licenses and permits;
- violated the requirements for fuel trading and storage locations.
The inspections were carried out both by the tax authorities themselves and jointly with law enforcement agencies.
What measures were taken
Based on the results of the inspections:
- equipment and fuel storage tanks were sealed;
- fuel and technical equipment were removed from illegal circulation;
- protocols on administrative offenses were drawn up against the violators;
- case materials relating to the incidents were referred to court.
Regional examples
Rivne region
Tax authorities established the fact of retail trade in fuel by an individual without state registration and a license. The trade was carried out in a place not suitable for this type of activity and without proper storage conditions. The fuel and equipment were seized, and the case was referred to court.
Volyn region
A so-called “shadow gas station” was discovered, the owner of which sold fuel without a license and used the labor of an unregistered employee. A fine of UAH 1.5 million was imposed for the violation, as well as UAH 80,000 for violating labor legislation.
The tax authority’s position
The State Tax Service reminds that in order to carry out any operations with fuel, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate license for a specific type of activity.
According to the service, illegal trade in fuel entails:
- administrative liability;
- financial penalties;
- in some cases, criminal liability.
Under martial law, such activities, the State Tax Service emphasizes, undermine the financial stability of the state, reduce budget revenues, and limit the ability to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
How many fines were imposed last year
According to the tax service, last year, as part of the fight against the shadow fuel market, more than UAH 463 million in fines were imposed and nearly 900 licenses were revoked.
In addition, law enforcement agencies have repeatedly reported the exposure of illegal gas stations in Kyiv and Odesa, as well as schemes for the illegal production and sale of counterfeit fuel.
The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed that a complete list of illegal gas stations be compiled by February 1, 2026, and that specific results be achieved for each of them — from legalization to dismantling and bringing those responsible to justice.
