The Crimean Peninsula is struggling with a deepening shortage caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on a key section of the highway supplying the region with fuel, writes the website “The Moscow Times”.
“From today, the sale of gasoline for cash will be completely suspended for several days,” Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, said in a post on Telegram.
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Fuel crisis in Crimea
Aksionov, who warned earlier this week that the local gasoline shortage may last until at least Julyalso said that fuel vouchers introduced under rationing are no longer available and “will not be issued again in the near future.”
Drivers who already have valid vouchers will face a strict purchase limit of 20 liters per vehicle. To prevent stockpiling, officials will be stationed at every gas station and will keep records of the license plates of all vehicles refueling with a voucher, writes The Moscow Times.
New ban in Crimea. “The information could be used by the enemy”
Simultaneously Crimean authorities banned photographing fuel trucks and publicly disclosing information about their movements. Violation of the ban will be treated as “complicity in sabotage activities”, a crime punishable by criminal liability.
“This information could be used by the enemy against Russia's security“, regional authorities said in a statement. Officials specifically advised parents to warn children aged 14 and older that they may face criminal charges under the new laws.
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Russia has a problem after Ukraine's attacks
The rationing came after Ukraine recently stepped up attacks on Russian refineries and supply lines in an attempt to deprive the Kremlin of windfall profits from rising oil prices.
Ukraine also attacks fuel tankers traveling on the R-280 Novorossiya highwayconnecting Crimea with the Rostov Oblast in southern Russia.
This week, gas stations in Moscow, southwestern Belgorod Oblast and parts of northwestern Russia also introduced purchase limits.
A ban on gasoline exports applies throughout Russia until July 31 to prevent shortages and price increases.
Source: The Moscow Times
