In 2024, Dagestan witnessed a significant challenge in its agricultural sector as unauthorized gas connections by greenhouses led to substantial financial losses. According to reports, these illicit activities resulted in damages totaling around 60 million rubles. Specialists from Gazprom identified 59 instances of unapproved greenhouse connections to gas networks during the year. Consequently, law enforcement agencies initiated 32 criminal cases based on the compiled evidence.
This issue is not isolated to Dagestan. Neighboring regions have also reported similar challenges. For instance, in Uzbekistan, from December 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, unauthorized gas usage amounted to 133 million cubic meters, equating to the monthly winter gas consumption of approximately 266,170 households. Notably, in the Tashkent region, a greenhouse was found to have illicitly consumed gas worth 618.4 million Uzbekistani soms.
The repercussions of such illegal activities are manifold. Financially, they lead to significant revenue losses for utility providers, potentially resulting in increased costs for legitimate consumers. Operational challenges also arise, as unauthorized connections can cause pressure drops and supply disruptions, adversely affecting other users. Moreover, these illicit connections pose safety hazards, including risks of gas leaks and fires, endangering both property and lives.
To combat this issue, authorities are intensifying monitoring and enforcement efforts. In Dagestan, comprehensive inspections are planned for over 1.5 million hectares of land in 2025, focusing on greenhouses to detect and address unauthorized activities. The use of approximately 7,700 traps, including 4,000 pheromone traps in greenhouses, is planned to identify threats such as the tomato moth, tobacco whitefly, western flower thrips, and leaf miners. Additionally, collaborations between utility companies and law enforcement agencies are being strengthened to ensure timely detection and prosecution of offenders.
In conclusion, unauthorized gas consumption by greenhouses presents a significant challenge to the agricultural sector, leading to financial losses, operational disruptions, and safety risks. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including stringent monitoring, robust enforcement, and increased awareness among stakeholders about the consequences of such illegal activities.
