Fuel shortages have taken hold in annexed Crimea and parts of southern Russia following an escalation of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
Russia's Energy Ministry has attributed recent gasoline shortages in annexed Crimea and parts of southern Russia to increased Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and energy infrastructure.
Key Developments
The Energy Ministry stated that recent attacks on fuel and energy enterprises have caused temporary difficulties with fuel supplies in several southern regions. A task force has been established to ensure stable operation of the energy sector.
Ukraine has escalated drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and supply lines since spring 2024, aiming to reduce Russia's revenue from oil exports. Attacks have halted or reduced production at facilities responsible for a significant portion of Russia's gasoline output.
Ukraine is also targeting fuel trucks on the R-280 Novorossiya highway, which links Crimea to southern Russia's Rostov region.
Rationing Measures
- Crimea began gradually rationing fuel at gas stations in the previous month.
- In Sevastopol, gasoline is sold via QR codes issued through the state-backed Max messaging app.
- Residents report insufficient QR codes and reduced car traffic, though public transportation continues to operate normally.
- Some regions have introduced rationing to prevent panic-buying and hoarding, rather than due to an immediate supply shortage.