Russia-installed authorities in Crimea suspended civilian gasoline sales Sunday as Ukrainian strikes intensified pressure on the peninsula's energy supplies. According to reports from Business Standard, Gov. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, announced that local gas stations would halt all sales to non-state companies and individuals for an undefined period. He stated that fuel will be sold only to government agencies that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea.
Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted fuel supplies to Crimea in recent weeks, triggering what officials describe as the worst energy crisis in the region since its 2014 annexation. As reported by Business Standard, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement Sunday that a Crimean oil depot, as well as an oil transport facility in Russia's southern Krasnodar region were among the targets. He described the attacks as part of Ukraine's 'long-range sanctions' against Russia's energy infrastructure.
The current crisis represents the worst fuel shortage since Crimea's 2014 annexation. According to Business Standard, overnight Ukrainian strikes killed four people and wounded 28 others, though officials did not specify the target of the attack. At the end of May, authorities had restricted gas sales to 20 litres per vehicle owner per week using prepaid coupons, which were immediately snapped up and led to hours-long queues at gas stations. Some motorists are bringing fuel from Krasnodar via the Kerch bridge, but are restricted to carrying 100 litres per vehicle, while speculators are selling gas at double the market price.
The fuel crisis highlights Ukraine's ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict, as reported by Business Standard. On June 11, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine reached its 1,569th day, surpassing the duration of World War I. In a rare public acknowledgment, the Kremlin has recognised the scope of the problem and promised to address the issue quickly, though Ukraine's successes have highlighted its effectiveness in targeting Russia's energy infrastructure.
