Crimea suspends fuel sales at gas stations — regional head

Authorities in annexed Crimea have suspended gasoline sales at gas stations, according to regional governor Sergei Aksyonov. The measure, effective immediately, is part of broader fuel rationing efforts in response to a worsening supply shortage attributed to Ukrainian drone attacks on key supply routes and infrastructure. Aksyonov stated that cash sales of gasoline will be halted for "several days," with fuel vouchers no longer being distributed and unlikely to be reissued in the near future.

To manage the limited supply, drivers with valid vouchers will be restricted to a maximum purchase of 20 liters per vehicle. Officials deployed to monitor compliance and record license plate information to prevent hoarding. Additionally, the regional government has imposed ban on photographing fuel delivery trucks or sharing details about their movements, citing national security concerns.

The fuel shortage follows a series of drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which have disrupted production and transportation of gasoline. The R-280 Novorossiya highway, a critical link between Crimea and Russia’s Rostov region, has also been targeted, prompting restrictions on non-essential traffic in the partially occupied Kherson region.

While the Russian government has acknowledged localized production declines, it maintains that the domestic fuel market remains "stable and under control," with gasoline export ban until July 31 to prevent price volatility.