diff --git a/python/sepolicy/sepolicy/generate.py b/python/sepolicy/sepolicy/generate.py
index adf65f27a..56923dc46 100644
--- a/python/sepolicy/sepolicy/generate.py
+++ b/python/sepolicy/sepolicy/generate.py
@@ -1265,6 +1265,9 @@ def __extract_rpms(self):
         import dnf
 
         with dnf.Base() as base:
+            if base.conf.substitutions.get('releasever') is None:
+                base.conf.substitutions['releasever'] = ''
+
             base.read_all_repos()
             base.fill_sack(load_system_repo=True)