In annexed Crimea, gas stations have completely halted fuel sales to the public and commercial organizations. The announcement was made by Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed head of the peninsula, who said the move was caused by a fuel shortage.
According to him, from 9:00 a.m. on June 21, Crimean gas stations stopped dispensing fuel for cash, cashless payment, and fuel coupons to both individuals and legal entities.
“Today, June 21, from 9:00 a.m., fuel dispensing at Crimean gas stations has been stopped for cash and cashless payments, as well as by coupons for individuals and legal entities. Fuel will be supplied only to state services that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea,” Aksyonov wrote.
As a result, only vehicles used by state services responsible for essential operations and regional security are now allowed to refuel at gas stations.
Fuel problems in Crimea and Sevastopol began in late May 2026. The shortage, the report says, emerged amid large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure facilities and fuel trucks.
At first, the authorities tried to impose only partial restrictions and introduced sales limits for gasoline. The measures were later tightened, and by June 4 free fuel sales had already been temporarily suspended.
Amid regular shelling, the source says, Russian forces began disguising fuel trucks as ordinary cargo vehicles.