In January, tax officials discovered 37 locations of illegal fuel trade. According to the results of the inspections, the equipment and tanks at these facilities were sealed, and the fuel, along with technical means, was withdrawn from illegal circulation. This was reported by the State Tax Service.
“The sale was carried out by persons who were not registered as business entities and did not have any permits to carry out such activities,” the department noted.
The inspections were carried out both by tax officials independently and jointly with law enforcement agencies. Based on their results, protocols on administrative offenses were drawn up against the violators, and illegal activities were stopped.
In particular, in the Rivne region, the fact of retail sale of fuel by an individual without state registration and license was established. The sale was carried out in a place not adapted for this type of activity, without compliance with storage requirements.
“Fuel and equipment were seized. An administrative report has been drawn up against the individual, and the case materials have been transferred to court,” the State Tax Service reported.
In the Volyn region, tax officials discovered a so-called shadow gas station, the owner of which sold fuel without a license and used the labor of an unregistered employee. He was fined UAH 1.5 million for the violation, as well as an additional UAH 80,000 for non-compliance with labor legislation.
The State Tax Service reminds that in order to carry out transactions with fuel, it is necessary to have an appropriate license depending on the type of activity. Illegal trade entails administrative, financial, and in some cases criminal liability.
“Under martial law, illegal fuel trade undermines the financial stability of the state, reduces budget revenues, and directly affects the ability to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the service emphasized.
The tax service also noted that last year, as part of the fight against the shadow fuel market, fines totaling over UAH 463 million were imposed and almost 900 licenses were suspended. The Cabinet of Ministers, in turn, must, by February 1, 2026, form a complete list of illegal gas stations and provide specific solutions for each of them – from legalization to dismantling and bringing those responsible to justice.
