Draft Bill Targets Mobile Fueling
Ukraine is preparing legislation that would permit fuel to be sold legally from mobile gas stations in communities where permanent filling stations have been destroyed or cannot operate safely. Lawmaker Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk announced the move on Telegram. Deputy Finance Minister Svitlana Vorobei said a working group made up of officials from the Finance Ministry, the State Tax Service, local authorities, and the fuel industry is expected to finalize its recommendations in the coming weeks, after which the draft will be submitted to parliament. The initiative underscores how fuel distribution is being rethought under wartime conditions.
Parts of the Sumy and Chernihiv regions already have no functioning gas stations at all, and in some areas the stations were completely destroyed. Vorobei pointed out that some fuel retailers are hesitant to rebuild because such facilities remain possible targets for future attacks. A working example can be found in the Trostianets community in Sumy region, where fuel is supplied using specialized tanker trucks.
What the Draft Law Seeks to Address
The main goal of the proposed bill is to ensure that people can get fuel even when permanent stations are absent or too dangerous to use. For residents of these communities, mobile fueling units could become a key resource for meeting everyday needs.
This legislation is a response to the wider challenge of restoring vital infrastructure during an active war. The lack of stationary gas stations across several regions has made it much harder for residents and businesses to obtain fuel, which is essential for transport and community life. Introducing mobile stations could help close that gap and deliver fuel to areas that need it most.
As the legislation progresses, it's crucial to consider how fuel availability is impacting drivers across the country. Recently, OKKO lifted restrictions on diesel fuel, allowing drivers to fill their tanks completely. This change highlights the ongoing efforts to address fuel distribution challenges in Ukraine, especially in light of the new draft law for mobile stations aimed at ensuring accessibility in areas affected by conflict.