The decision, announced by the Russian-installed administration in Crimea, marks the most severe disruption to civilian fuel access since the peninsula's annexation in 2014. Local authorities cited 'security concerns' after a series of strikes targeted fuel depots and tanker ships over the past two weeks.12,000 barrels per day typical consumption70% supply by sea
According to a senior researcher at a regional energy think tank, Crimea's strategic gasoline reserves have fallen to just 18 days of supply, down from a comfortable 45 days before the attacks escalated. 'The Black Sea is becoming a no-go zone for fuel shipments,' the researcher said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Ukraine's military has increasingly targeted logistics infrastructure in occupied territories, aiming to disrupt Russian supply lines. Satellite imagery analyzed by open-source intelligence groups shows at least four tankers damaged or sunk in the past month. The attacks have also hit rail and road fuel convoys, forcing Russia to reroute supplies through longer, less secure corridors.
The suspension of civilian sales leaves residents and businesses scrambling. Long lines were reported at the few remaining stations that had stockpiled fuel. One resident in Simferopol described the situation as 'a return to the shortages of the 1990s.' The local administration has promised to prioritize fuel for essential services like ambulances and public transport, but no timeline for restoring civilian sales has been given.
‘The Black Sea is becoming a no-go zone for fuel shipments.’
‘A return to the shortages of the 1990s.’