Finnish travelers who visit Russia to refuel are facing accusations of treason, a report cited by Inosmi from the local edition of Yle. Residents say they are pushed into this practice by the high price of gasoline in Finland, which makes Russian fuel appear financially attractive despite the political tension surrounding the region.
Is it ethical to drive into Russia for gasoline? This dilemma weighs heavily on many Finns and is a frequent topic of discussion across social networks. Some view the act of refueling in Russia as unethical because it could be seen as supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine, while others argue that buying Russian gasoline helps ordinary people survive, especially when border closures or fuel shortages loom. One notable example is motorist Sirpa Laurimo, who recently obtained a Russian visa and refuels three of her family’s cars each week, sometimes twice daily. She estimates a potential saving of about 240 euros each month. Laurimo contends that her purchases do not directly aid the Russian military operation, but rather aid everyday Russians, and she believes that boycotting Russian fuel will not single-handedly change global outcomes. Following the easing of covid restrictions, many Finns began applying for Russian visas, with reports suggesting that a majority of requests—around eight in ten—come from so-called “fuel tourists.” [citation: Inosmi / Yle]
Buses are not allowed!
Finnish customs authorities understand the situation and do not condemn those who want to refuel in Russia. However, importing gasoline in jerry cans from Russian territory is prohibited; only fuel that has already entered a vehicle is permitted to cross the border. Vehicles approaching the border are subject to stringent checks, and if a bus is found, it must be turned away. [citation: Finnish customs guidelines]
There are two practical pathways to address the issue: a driver can take the bus into Russia themselves, or the vehicle can be handed over to a colleague who will drive it into Russia. While this can seem clever, customs officials stress that their concern centers on what happens with the fuel on Russian soil, not on whether a can is eventually returned to a station. An alternative, more drastic measure would be to confiscate the jerry can and discard it, but such extreme steps are rare. Yet, judging by the number of visa applications, many border-town residents do not view “fuel tourism” as an alarming behavior. [citation: border and customs reports]
Observers note that the phenomenon illustrates how price signals in one country influence travel and consumer choices across borders. As fuel costs rise, some motorists in Finland weigh the short-term financial benefits of refueling in Russia against broader political and ethical considerations. Analysts point out that this dynamic is not unique to the Nordic region; cross-border fuel shopping occurs in many places where price differentials create incentives, despite geopolitical tensions. The discussion also touches on practical issues such as fuel quality, vehicle warranties, and the reliability of supply chains in times of sanctions or policy shifts. [citation: regional economic analysis]