Fuel Sales Restricted in Occupied Regions
Starting June 3, fuel in Sevastopol is only being dispensed to emergency and municipal service vehicles. This measure, imposed by the Russian-installed administration, reflects growing supply disruptions that have been escalating across the occupied Crimean peninsula since late May. During the night of June 2–3 and into the early afternoon, all fuel grades were limited to vehicles essential for maintaining city operations. Moscow-appointed Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev stated that fuel deliveries resumed in the morning, and that gasoline was expected to become available for general sale around 2:00 PM.
Restrictions Spread to Other Areas
Similar caps have been introduced in the occupied Luhansk People's Republic (LNR), where a daily limit of 20 liters per person is now in effect—a restriction confirmed by the region's so-called minister of fuel and energy, Rogovenko. Meanwhile, in Saint Petersburg, some gas stations have imposed a 50-liter-per-person limit, driven by supply interruptions, particularly for AI-95 grade gasoline.
On June 2, diesel fuel prices on the Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange rose by nearly 3.5%. Delivery times for diesel have reportedly stretched beyond 30 days. The ongoing fuel crisis has been attributed to Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure and persistent logistical difficulties in supplying Crimea. Notably, the Kerch Bridge has not been used for fuel transport since 2022, and in April, Ukrainian intelligence disabled the last operational railway ferry, the Slavianin.
Earlier, on May 30, the Crimean occupation administration had already set a daily limit of 20 liters of A-95 gasoline per person. Russia’s overall diesel production also dropped by 10% in May, compounding the broader fuel sector crisis.
These fuel sale restrictions in occupied territories and within Russia highlight severe supply and production challenges that could significantly impact the regional economy. Rising fuel prices and purchase limits risk fueling social tension, especially as living conditions deteriorate. The developments underscore the consequences of ongoing military operations and logistical breakdowns that complicate the delivery of essential resources.
The current fuel restrictions in Sevastopol are part of a larger trend affecting various regions in Ukraine. Similar measures have been implemented in Southern Ukraine, where gasoline rationing has become necessary due to ongoing supply shortages. For more details on how these limitations are impacting fuel availability and daily life, read about the gasoline rationing in Southern Ukraine.