From January to the end of May 2025, the Lviv branch of the “Gazmerezhi” company recorded over 100 instances of unauthorized natural gas consumption by residential users in Lviv and the surrounding region.
Among the most frequent violations:
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29 illegally connected gas pipelines;
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87 cases of tampering with household gas meters.
Based on inspection results, violators were fined a total of over 4.3 million UAH. Depending on the nature of the offense, individual fines ranged from 35,000 to 500,000 UAH. Thus, attempts to bypass metering systems or interfere with gas infrastructure can result in financial losses dozens of times greater than legitimate consumption.
Fines for non-household users are significantly higher.
The company emphasizes that unauthorized interference with the gas system is not only an administrative offense but also poses a direct threat to human life and safety. Gas leaks often occur at the sites of illegal connections, potentially leading to fires, explosions, or other emergencies.
Specialized equipment used by emergency and technical teams enables rapid detection of gas theft. In most cases, consumers accept the inspection results and voluntarily pay the penalties. If a violator denies responsibility and refuses to cover the damages, the company pursues the case in court, where the user may be required to pay both damages and court fees.
The Lviv branch urges residents to remain vigilant. If you witness suspicious activity or gas theft, report it immediately by calling the emergency line at 104.