Sevastopol, Ukraine. Residents in Russian-controlled Crimea were dealing with gasoline rationing on Wednesday after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted supplies from Russia, according to a Reuters witness. The supply strain came as Ukraine launched another round of overnight strikes on energy and military targets in several Russian regions.
Fuel limits and supply disruptions
A Reuters witness said some fuel stations had queues, with purchases limited to 20 litres per person and QR codes linked to number plates issued for transactions.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, said on Telegram that the 20-litre limit remained in effect. He urged motorists to check fuel availability before going to gas stations.
Pressure on supply routes
Some of Ukraine’s drone attacks have targeted the two main supply arteries to Crimea: routes across Russian-controlled regions of southeastern Ukraine and the Kerch Strait linking Crimea with Russia’s Taman peninsula.
More than four years after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia is facing near-daily Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure. Western sanctions have also increased the cost of crude exports as Russian attacks on Ukraine continue.
Broader shortages and local conditions
The Reuters witness said some shops had experienced sugar shortages in recent days and had limited purchases of buckwheat, a Russian staple, to no more than 5 kg. The witness said shelves were now stocked and there was no sign of panic.
Latest strikes in Sevastopol
Local authorities said drones hit a historic museum in Sevastopol on Wednesday. Authorities also reduced the number of trains operating at night.
Status of Crimea
Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 after street protests forced Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, from power. Few countries recognise the annexation, and Kyiv has said it intends to retake the territory.
