Fuel shortages have escalated sharply in Sevastopol, a city under Russian control in Crimea, causing long queues at gas stations and prompting new limits on gasoline purchases. Since May 21, residents have experienced rising fuel prices and increasingly scarce gasoline supplies at many filling stations. In response, local authorities have imposed a restriction that limits drivers to purchasing no more than 20 liters of gasoline per vehicle or container at certain locations. Officials say this measure is intended to curb what they describe as “artificial panic” among consumers.
The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the gasoline shortage continues to worry local residents. Public transportation is also facing challenges as bus drivers have informed passengers that fuel distribution may soon require coupons—a system already used for diesel fuel, according to reports from Russian state-affiliated media outlets.
These gasoline supply difficulties reflect wider logistical problems in Crimea amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The region’s fuel infrastructure has come under increasing strain due to repeated disruptions and attacks targeting military and transport facilities linked to Russian forces stationed there.
Adding to the crisis was a recent fire at an oil terminal in Novorossiysk, a key Black Sea port in Russia. Officials attribute the blaze to drone debris, which caused damage to several technical and administrative buildings at the Sheskharis terminal—one of southern Russia’s largest oil-loading hubs. Emergency teams responded promptly to control the fire and prevent further destruction.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, assured that local authorities are working hard to stabilize fuel supplies as soon as possible. However, ongoing military tensions and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure leave residents anxious about future disruptions and rising fuel costs.
The gasoline shortage has deeply impacted daily life throughout Crimea, affecting private vehicle owners and public transit alike. With purchase restrictions still enforced, many drivers face long waits in hopes of securing enough fuel amid growing fears of worsening scarcity. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by regions caught in conflict zones where essential supply chains remain fragile and susceptible to interruption.
