Fuel Rationing Sweeps Crimea and Russian Regions Amid Ukrainian Drone Strikes

On May 30-31, Crimea’s administration imposed emergency fuel rationing after Ukrainian drone attacks damaged the “Novorossiya” land corridor linking the peninsula to mainland Russia. AI-95 sales were limited and gasoline coupons introduced for purchases.

CNN

Since early 2022, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck Russian oil refineries and the R-280 “Novorossiya” highway, a primary route for fuel trucks. Combined with Western sanctions that raise crude export costs, these attacks have strained Russia’s domestic fuel logistics.

Kyiv Independent

Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov urged residents to stay calm and rely on official sources. Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev described the measures as temporary security steps to optimize logistics. Transportation Minister Andrei Nikitin said the jet-fuel export ban serves airline interests, not a domestic shortage. Company spokespeople said caps prevent panic buying.

Kyiv Independent

In Crimea, AI-92 sales are capped at 20 liters per vehicle and jerry-can filling is banned. Moscow’s Lukoil stations limit purchases to 100 liters per driver; Gazprom allows 100-150 liters; ORTK caps gasoline at 60 liters and diesel at 100 liters. General Fueller restricts sales to 20 liters. TES, operating 115 Crimean stations, suspended its voucher service.

Moscow Times

Sevastopol residents reported long queues and empty pumps. “I haven’t been able to fill up for two days now,” driver Oksana Senchenko told Reuters. A Crimean-Wind Telegram video showed cars waiting for vouchers, with many unable to obtain fuel.

Kyiv Independent

Observers note that caps as low as 20 liters are below vehicle tank capacities, raising concerns about hoarding and daily mobility. The ban on filling jerry cans, while aimed at preventing stockpiling, reflects broader attempts to control fuel distribution. No organized civil opposition was reported.

Moscow Times

All sources link the shortage to Ukrainian drone attacks on the “Novorossiya” corridor, yet some also cite sanctions and logistical bottlenecks without quantifying their effect. Volumes of fuel lost, precise timeline of rationing beyond the stated one-month target, and impact on non-military users remain unverified.

Kyiv Independent

• “I haven’t been able to fill up for two days now,” — Oksana Senchenko, driver, Sevastopol

CNN

• “I call on Crimeans and visitors to the republic to remain calm and to rely only on official sources of information,” — Sergei Aksyonov, Crimea governor, Telegram post

Kyiv Independent

• “Fuel in Crimea is being sold in limited quantities and via rationing coupons. The reason is Ukrainian drone attacks on fuel trucks on the ‘Novorossiya’ highway - a land corridor linking mainland Russia and Crimea,” — Oleg Tsaryov, former Ukrainian lawmaker, statement

CNN