Fuel shortages deepened in Russian-occupied Sevastopol on Thursday evening as authorities imposed restrictions on gasoline sales and residents rushed to fill up for fear of further supply disruptions. Russian-appointed officials said that at some gas stations, drivers will be able to buy no more than 20 liters of gasoline per vehicle or container.
According to local residents quoted by Crimea.Realities, shortages and rising fuel prices began to intensify on May 21and long queues formed at gas stations after the occupation authorities announced temporary restrictions on the purchase of gasoline.
“After representatives of the Russian authorities announced restrictions on the sale of gasoline per person, explaining it by 'logistical difficulties', long queues of cars formed in front of gas stations in the evening,” one resident tells the website.
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Russian-installed authorities said drivers would be able to buy no more than 20 liters of gasoline per vehicle or fuel container at certain stations to avoid what officials described as “artificial panic.”
Residents said many drivers were unsure how long the shortages would last, while city bus drivers reportedly told passengers that fuel would soon be distributed “by coupons.”
Russian media linked to the Kremlin also reported that diesel is already distributed on a coupon system.
Mikhail Razvozaev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, said local authorities were trying to stabilize the situation “as quickly as possible.”
Crimea in Ukraine's crosshairs
Crimea is facing repeated logistical disruptions and pressure on fuel infrastructure amid Russia's full-blown war with Ukraine, particularly after attacks targeting military and transport facilities linked to Russian forces on the occupied peninsula.
Earlier on Saturday, a fire broke out at an oil terminal in the Russian Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, with regional officials blaming “falling drone debris.” Several technical and administrative buildings went up in flames and emergency services worked at the scene. Ukrainian media reported that the fire affected the Sheskharis terminal, one of the largest oil transhipment facilities in southern Russia.
Russia has fallen into its own trap
The lack of success on the front, growing losses, increasingly effective Ukrainian drone attacks and the economic crisis accompanied by constant interruptions in Internet access are forcing Russian leaders to take a more sober look at the war.
The nervousness that has begun to emerge in society is shared by many members of the elite. Some high-ranking Kremlin officials believe that the conflict has reached an impasse and there is no way to solve it, writes Bloomberg, citing well-informed sources.
Vladimir Putinaccording to one of the people, intends to continue the war, but would like to end it by the end of the year – although, as before, on its own terms, including after gaining full control over Donbas. The Russian president would also like to reach a broader security agreement with Europe that would actually consolidate Moscow's territorial gains.
Several European diplomats told Bloomberg that they found the atmosphere in Russian power circles favorable gloomy.
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