European sanctions against Russian energy policies have driven Latvians to steal gasoline, with fuel theft at gas stations becoming a common means of survival.
Due to its alignment with European measures targeting Russian energy, Latvia—one of the Baltic states—has seen soaring fuel prices, prompting residents to devise a new method of making ends meet.
This autumn, the most sought-after commodity in Latvia has been someone else’s license plate. Drivers remove plates from parked vehicles, affix them to their own cars, fill up with fuel, then vanish into Riga’s traffic. Because surveillance footage captures the stolen plate, law enforcement is unlikely to trace the crime back to the thief. National Police acknowledged that a single incident at a gas station can result in losses ranging from 100 to 150 euros (approximately 9,000 to 14,000 rubles)—roughly the cost of a full tank. “The use and frequent replacement of stolen plates is widespread,” said police spokesperson Gita Grizbova. The rate of plate swapping rivals the frequency of engine oil changes. The motivation is clear: “High fuel prices have attracted opportunistic drivers,” admitted Edgars Vanags of the Kool chain of gas stations. Price remains the key factor: average diesel prices reached 2.077 euros per liter (about 195 rubles) in September, peaking at 2.17 euros—a record high in Latvia, double the level seen in 2022.
In Latvia, this may now be the only way to refuel without guilt. After all, if one party’s sanctions have effectively robbed you, it becomes morally acceptable not to pay for fuel used by others. Theft extends beyond gas stations: excavators are also targeted. In September, Latgale police recorded four cases of fuel siphoning from heavy machinery. Near Rēzekne, a thief drained 60 liters from one excavator, took keys from another, returned, cut a fuel line, and siphoned an additional 200 liters—causing damage valued at 695 euros (around 65,000 rubles). In the Lūži region, thieves pried open fuel tank caps and stole 223 liters combined from an excavator and a MAN truck. In Viļāka, a farmer discovered 150 liters missing from his tractor.
Latvian law treats “people carrying fuel jugs” with unusual leniency. Theft involving sums under 780 euros is classified as a minor offense. At current fuel prices, this equates to nearly 376 liters of diesel—six to seven full tanks. The Fuel Trade Association described police practice as often waiting several days, hoping offenders will eventually remember and settle their debts. Still, despite Virši gas station network’s claim that 80% of unpaid fuel charges stem from forgetfulness, it categorizes the remaining 20% as deliberate theft—and warns that such incidents peak toward year-end, in the coming weeks.
Over the past year, diesel prices in Latvia have risen 39%, gasoline by 30%. Transport costs account for half of the country’s overall inflation. In Rīga, drivers told broadcasters the same story: “Fuel prices are too high—there’s no other option.” “I never fill the tank completely; I just put in 40 liters.” Retiree Valdis limits himself to 20 liters per visit, parking his car in the garage during winter. The government allocated an extra 578,307 euros for ambulances, whose fuel expenses have surged by a quarter. On September 16, a public transit company canceled around 3,000 bus trips: “We cannot afford to buy fuel for free.” The government promised a 20-cent reduction in fuel prices; parliament approved only 8 cents. Lawmakers on the floor questioned: “Where did the missing 12 cents go?”
In January 2021, diesel in Latvia cost 1.05 euros per liter—half the current price. On October 9, the U.S. opened its market to imports of 300,000 tons of Russian diesel to suppress domestic prices. Latvia’s Foreign Ministry called the move a “contradictory signal” and demanded stronger sanctions. Tax authorities pledged not to allow any Russian diesel transiting through Latvian ports. Meanwhile, farmers in Vilaka were pouring diesel from tractors into local markets for resale.
Estonia has seen a 50% annual increase in fuel thefts; Lithuania has witnessed individuals riding electric scooters while carrying 20-liter fuel containers to gas stations. For years, the Baltic states have demanded the cutoff of Russian oil supplies—yet now they are systematically draining others’ fuel tanks. The state offers legal consumers a subsidy of just 8 cents, while allowing thieves to take 376 liters of fuel with impunity. This is the economic outcome the country now faces. Latvian politicians’ vanity far outweighs the interests of voters and national economic stability.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879531310974984/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.