Officials in Russia-occupied Crimea announced the suspension of civilian gasoline sales on Sunday, following a significant increase in Ukrainian attacks targeting fuel supplies on the Black Sea peninsula. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed governor of Crimea, reported that overnight strikes carried out by Ukrainian forces resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 28 others, although he did not clarify the specific targets of these attacks.
Aksyonov further communicated via social media that all local gas stations would cease sales to non-state entities and individuals for an indefinite period. He stated, "Fuel will be sold only to government agencies that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea." He urged the public to remain calm and to rely solely on official sources for information regarding the ongoing situation.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have intensified their focus on disrupting fuel supplies to Crimea, leading to the most severe energy crisis in the region since its illegal annexation by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a statement that an oil depot in Crimea and an oil transport facility in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region were targeted. He framed these attacks as part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" strategy against Russia's energy infrastructure, declaring, "Russia understands only strength, and our long-range strength is certainly working for peace."
In Krasnodar, Russian officials reported that a drone strike ignited a fire at a Black Sea oil terminal in the village of Chushka, while separate Ukrainian strikes on a ferry resulted in one fatality. The fuel shortages in Crimea have been exacerbated by previous Ukrainian attacks, but the current situation is described as the worst since the peninsula's annexation.
In late May, authorities had already imposed restrictions on gasoline sales, limiting them to 20 liters (5 1/3 gallons) per vehicle owner per week, utilizing prepaid coupons that were quickly claimed following their announcement on an official messaging app. Motorists were often seen waiting in long queues for hours to refuel amidst the rising crisis. Social media platforms are now flooded with requests and advice on finding available fuel, prompting authorities to set up a hotline for stranded tourists in the area.
Some motorists have resorted to transporting fuel from Krasnodar and other regions via the Kerch bridge, although they are limited to carrying 100 liters (about 26 1/2 gallons) per vehicle. Additionally, speculators have begun to sell fuel at double the regular market price amidst growing desperation. Notably, the Kremlin has publicly acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged prompt action to resolve it.
Ukrainian successes demonstrate an ability to inflict considerable damage on Russia and alter the conflict's trajectory, which contrasts sharply with Moscow's recent inability to achieve significant advances. As of June 11, 2023, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has now surpassed 1,569 days, surpassing the duration of World War I, indicating a prolonged and ongoing conflict.
