Fuel Crisis Hits Sevastopol
Starting the evening of May 21, a gasoline shortage emerged in occupied Sevastopol. The occupation authorities imposed restrictions on fuel sales, allowing only up to 20 liters per vehicle or container. Officially, these limits are attributed to efforts to curb panic buying. As a result, certain fuel types have disappeared from some gas stations, and prices have climbed. Notably, the cost of AI-100 gasoline has exceeded 100 rubles.
Fuel Market Turmoil
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the occupation head of Sevastopol, stated that AI-92, AI-95, and diesel fuel are still available, but not at all stations. Meanwhile, diesel is currently only being dispensed via coupons. Residents of Ryazan and the temporarily occupied Crimea are complaining about fuel shortages caused by strikes on Russian oil refineries. According to Reuters, the Ryazan refinery will remain offline at least until the end of June.
At many gas stations in occupied Crimea, AI-92 and AI-95 have vanished, and in some places only AI-100 is available. Social media is filling with photos of TES network stations showing empty price boards for AI-92, AI-95, and diesel. The deputy head of the occupation administration in Sevastopol noted,
“there are certain logistical difficulties, the cause of which, I think, is known to everyone”— Mikhail Razvozhayev. The occupation authorities promised to arrange new fuel deliveries by the evening of May 22.
Fuel prices continue to soar. According to the authors of the 'Glavkom' channel,
“prices are skyrocketing. The hundredth has crossed 100 rubles”. The fuel market situation in Sevastopol and Crimea remains dire, with residents still struggling to access necessary types of fuel.
The fuel shortage in Sevastopol and Crimea highlights serious logistical and supply chain issues, likely stemming from attacks on refineries. This could further strain the region’s economy, as access to fuel is critical for transportation and businesses. Although the occupation authorities are trying to manage the crisis, rising prices and sales restrictions risk fueling social unrest among the population.
The ongoing fuel crisis in Sevastopol is not an isolated incident, as similar shortages are affecting other regions. Residents in Ryazan and Crimea are experiencing significant difficulties in accessing fuel due to the strikes on Russian oil refineries. For a comprehensive overview of how these refinery disruptions are impacting fuel availability across multiple areas, see our detailed report on the fuel shortages in Ryazan and Crimea.