The ban on dispensing gasoline into canisters has complicated the dacha season for Volgograd residents.

Volgograd gardeners, against the backdrop of the ban on dispensing gasoline into canisters, are forced to bring garden equipment to gas stations, asking attendants to make exceptions or to siphon fuel from their car tanks.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", several drivers in Volgograd previously recorded a video appeal to the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, regarding the gasoline situation. They were detained by security forces, who considered the video appeal an unauthorized rally. In particular, lawyer Alexey Sevastyanov was sentenced to five days for recording an appeal to the head of the Investigative Committee. Sevastyanov noted that the attempt to record an appeal to Bastrykin led to an improvement in the fuel situation in the Volgograd region. Drivers confirmed that there are practically no queues at gas stations.

For a whole week, the fuel situation in the Volgograd region has remained stable. The problem of the absence of high-octane gasoline (AI-98 and AI-100) at most gas stations, as well as the issue of the ban on dispensing fuel into canisters, remains relevant.

The situation has worsened due to seasonal demand growth and existing restrictions on the sale of fuel in portable containers in some places. In summer, gasoline consumption traditionally increases: people travel more often to their dachas and go on road trips, while in rural areas, the period of active seasonal work begins, reported "News of Volgograd" on July 27.

Under the restrictions, equipment owners find various ways to solve the problem. Some bring it directly to gas stations. Some stations also allow gasoline to be poured directly into the tank of the tool or boat motor if it can be removed. This is not always convenient, but it serves as a temporary solution, the publication noted.

Others negotiate with neighbors and acquaintances. In dacha settlements, fuel for several households is sometimes brought by one person who can fill a canister — for example, using a corporate fuel card or at a gas station where such restrictions do not apply.

Some try to negotiate with gas station employees on-site and sometimes find understanding: the attendant may empathize and make an exception. It is easier to do this now, as there is no longer a rush or queues at gas stations. The main thing is to behave correctly and not to abuse the goodwill of the staff, the publication stated.

In the Volgograd region, restrictions on the sale of gasoline in canisters have not affected the demand for renting already filled equipment: it has remained at the same level, as have prices, said a company employee renting out garden equipment.

"We rent out equipment that is already filled with gasoline. We have no problems with fueling the equipment, but I cannot say where we get it. In general, both demand and prices have remained the same, without any changes," – quoted by "Volgograd Truth.ru" on July 27.

Some gardeners fill up their cars and then siphon gasoline from their tanks into another container for use in garden equipment. Others switch to electric models that do not require automotive fuel.

There are also other ways to bypass the restrictions: gardeners bring equipment directly to gas stations, buy gasoline collectively with neighbors, or ask attendants to make exceptions. A small amount of fuel can also be purchased at construction stores or on marketplaces, but it is significantly more expensive there, reported "Volzhsky.ru" on July 27.

It should be noted that the fuel crisis has led to a mass transition of drivers to gas in the southern regions of Russia. There were so many people wanting to install gas equipment that there were long queues at auto repair shops. Due to the long wait, some motorists are forced to turn to "gray" installers who do not guarantee the safety of the equipment, analysts noted earlier.

The mass installation of gas equipment will not solve the problem of fuel shortages, as the necessary infrastructure has not yet been created. It cannot be built quickly, said Alexander Frolov, deputy general director of the National Energy Institute. In his opinion, the current crisis may serve as a reason to pay attention to existing programs that are developing significantly slower than planned.

Leading analyst of the National Energy Security Fund Igor Yushkov believes that the transition of motorists to gas will not become a long-term trend. In his opinion, after the restoration of gasoline supplies and the disappearance of queues at gas stations, interest in installing gas equipment will decrease.